"A Pearl"

Most of us have prayed, asking something of God.  Have you ever considered you might be the answer to another's prayer?

"It's the Timing Thing"

I pruned my raspberries today.  Most other gardeners did that in the fall or at least before new growth is appearing.  I am often reminded of my tendency to be a procrastinator, and I do own that.  However, a basic tenet in my life is "Not a moment too soon, not a moment too late."  I am always grateful when my life and the everyday things in it fall into place, at just the right time.


While thinking about my newly pruned raspberries today, the ones which are going to produce abundantly for me, I also began thinking about "The Timing Thing."  All of creation operates, it functions within a very specific timing framework.  I suspect tide tables for the seas could be printed ad infinitum and be accurate.  Sunrises and sunsets too.  Think about the synchronization of this planet and everything that is in it, the universe beyond our own.  The North Star has not moved since its placement in the skies.  Animals instinctively migrate toward a warmer climate instead of heading toward one which would spell death for their species.  Their babies are brought into the world so they can flourish in the Summer, not perish in the Winter.  Science is not my forte', but I believe this is called a symbiotic relationship--Living things and a planet which supports that life.


I am of the belief that the same thought and design went into us as humans, that precise planning has gone into not only my life, but all of mankind.  "There is an appointed time for everything.  A time to be born, and a time to die.  A time to plant, a time to harvest."  Everything has its season, and there is no way to speed it up or shorten it. 


We have all had those experiences where everything went just right.  Some say the stars and planets were aligned.  Some will say that they have just been living right, and that would be their reward.  Others say they have been blessed.  Whatever you call it, the timing was perfect.  Nothing was done to make it happen that way.  It just did.  That is what I am talking about--not just an occasional happening, but living life in sync with the Creator.  How is that possible?  Man was created to have a friendship, a relationship with his Creator.  When you start with that base, it's not hard to comprehend or attain.  


The pull of the moon on the oceans of the world causes them to ebb and flow with precision.  For me, I live my life in an ebb and flow with the Maker of that moon.  Call it a dance, if you will, but the result is a life that is part of a larger picture than just my small world.  And in that picture, timing is the thing.   In spite of my procrastination and in spite of my own self, the raspberries do get pruned, "Not a moment too soon, not a moment too late."  As I look out my kitchen window at the overgrown apple tree and see my pile of tax papers out of the corner of my eye, I know they will get taken care of as well.  I will cross paths with those whom I am supposed to.  I will be where I am supposed to be, doing what I am supposed to be doing.  It is a perfect timing thing.

"Just Keep Me Going"

While thinking about a situation in my life today, one that has no easy answers, I heard myself say, "Just keep me going.  Just keep me going."  Yes, I do spend a lot of time alone in my work as a gardener, but no, I have not gone over the deep end from too much solitude.  My family may challenge that, but this is how I approach difficult situations, recognizing the need to continue moving forward, one step at a time. 


Many years ago, I was discussing a problem with a friend.  "What do I do?" I asked, expecting a list of suggestions.  The answer:  "Just keep going."  That was the last thing I wanted to hear!  However, over the years I have come to realize what wisdom was proffered in that response. 


We all have had, currently have, or will have circumstances in our lives that pretty much buckle us at the knees.  Sometimes we feel as though we literally are not going to survive and aren't sure if we want to.  There is no light at the end of the tunnel, only darkness and zero understanding.  Even everyday life, without a major calamity, at times feels like it is going to sink us.  Those are the times when we simply want to stop.  Life just feels too hard.


In this journey called life I have had more than my fair share of times when I simply dug in my heels, refusing to budge.   From the voice of experience, let me tell you what happens when you do that.  Use the correlation of a physical trip, and it is easily understood.  There is no change in scenery, no progress.  I call it being on a hamster wheel.   You know, the one where you may be going really fast, but you're not going anywhere.  That is when the fears come in, the doubts, the  confusion.  Attitudes sour and life becomes stagnant, a rut where nothing changes.  It is the antithesis of living.

This brings me back to the sage advice.  Each of us is on a particular path, a very specific, individualized walk.  It is ours and ours alone.  How DO you do that?--"Just keep going."  To begin with, you can only take the steps you are given to take.  But take them and others will follow.  For me, I know there are times when I need to be pushed along, nudged from behind, never allowed to simply stay in one place.  That is why my mantra, my prayer is to "Just keep me going."   The result has been a richer, fuller life than I could have imagined, and the views are much better than they are from a hamster wheel.  :)

"Why I Believe There Is a God"

There are some who affirm their belief in the existence of God after witnessing the birth of a child.  For others it is the power of the sea, the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, the majesty of Mount Everest.  Some come to that place after a once-in-a-lifetime personal experience.  While I appreciate all of those persuasions, my argument pro-God is confirmed by my gardening equipment experiences.

"The season" has begun.  That is just another way of saying that 14" of snow has melted, grass is growing, roses and other shrubs need to be pruned, weeds have erupted, and gardens are waiting to be tended.  It also means gardening equipment which has been stored since last fall needs to be brought out and put to use.  Such was the case today when I began my lawn-mowing schedule in earnest.  I loaded the mower and weed-eater in the truck and headed out.  

On the job site, I finished mowing and pulled the weed-eater out to edge.  I hadn't used it for several months and no, I did not winterize it properly, emptying it of fuel while in storage.  That, all by itself, spells a recipe for disaster.  I primed it, set the choke properly and began pulling on the starter---and pulling and pulling and pulling.  And this is where my pro-God argument enters in.  I heard myself saying, "Please, please, please God.  Please start it."  This is my usual response when I am dealing with an obstinate piece of equipment.  I have a habit of counting the number of times I've tried, so  by the time I got to 30 I had decided there would probably be no edging done this day.  It was then it kicked in.  "Thank you" was the next thought I had, and I headed off to complete my job. 

I must say there have been plenty of times when my equipment doesn't start, and my response is a negative expression which I won't repeat.  The nasty words and attitude, the rants and raves don't even faze Him.  He simply smiles, pats me on the head, and sends me on my way to my equipment people, a gift from Him for whom I am so very grateful and thankful.  They add to my pro-God argument.  

I would never minimize nor negate another's experiences or view, and I, too, recognize the work and the hand of God in new life, nature, and priceless individual experiences.  But for me, today the proof came through loud and clear.  He was 3 for 3--the mower, the blower, and the weed-eater.  They all kicked in.  

Do I hear an "Amen?"  :)

"On Weeds"

weed:  n.  any plant regarded as unwanted at the place, where and at the time it is growing.

I weeded Bruce's garden pathways for the hundredth time today.  While that IS an exaggeration, it wasn't the first time nor will it be the last they are weeded.  When I began my gardening business a most rude awakening came when I returned to a client's garden and discovered that the pristine state I had left it in a week or two prior had turned into an area overridden with weeds.  I  had honestly expected to find it the way I left it.  Perhaps that is the definition of living in denial.

One of my clients is of the thinking that a weed is a misunderstood flower.  Not !!  My feeling is there is no such thing as a good weed and categorize them all as "nasty"--briars, ivy and morning glory alike and all those, large and small, which blanket a space.  Each season showcases a different variety which fills lush, fertile soil, nestling in amongst beds of perennials or filling bare spots with a carpet of green.  

Growing in the most desolate of soil as well, appearing in crevices in sidewalks and driveways even, they come in uninvited on the wind or hitchhiking on birds, cats and dogs, or other critters.  Leave a single one unchecked, and it will spread its seeds as though it was the only one left in civilization with the need to propagate the earth.  It is said a weed seed can lie dormant in the soil for 10 years and that, as we dig in the soil, we are actually cultivating it, exposing it to the warmth of the sun, creating an environment for the growth of our own worst enemy.

In the simplest of terms, weeds choke out life.  They are not plants which co-exist but suffocate and inhibit the growth and development of neighboring flora.  One can't ignore them, or they come out on the winning side.  They must be dealt with and constantly kept in check and under control, or they will engulf all that is beautiful and lovely.  In the war on weeds, eradication is a top priority.

In addition to our physical gardens, each of us has a garden within us.  Residing in the inner self, our spiritual self, it does exist, and the fruit of what grows within is revealed and cannot be hidden.  For example, if bitterness, anger,  jealousy, or greed is growing within it is evidenced in the way one's life is lived. When those things which are of the flesh are dealt with, including idolatry, lack of sexual restraint, quarreling, and dissensions, the fruit of the Spirit is manifest--love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  The care and tending of this garden is more important than tending any other area in our lives. 

How can one tend something that is invisible?  The very essence of spiritual self is not something we can reach out and touch, yet nothing is more real.  For me, weeding my inner self begins with the acknowledgement that a need exists.  Next is the concession I am unable to take care of it on my own.  The One who created me is a Master Gardener as well.  He knows what needs to be taken care of, He knows how to do it, and He does it well.  He actually specializes in the elimination of those things which would stifle and overtake life.

Any garden, large or small, which has been lovingly maintained is a feast for the eyes and brings joy to the soul.  Free of competition from errant, wayward growth, it begs to be savored and experienced.  And so it is when coming in contact with one whose inner garden has been nurtured and cared for by the Master.  The proper pruning, cultivation, development of rich, fertile soil, and removal of undesirable vegetation all provide the habitat for fruit which is enriching and beneficial to all.  Living life with Him, it is an attainable and worthwhile goal.

Christ spoke of seeds and weeds in a parable.  Grain seeds were sown in a patch of thorns where they were quickly choked out.  He explained that the seeds are the word and "....those sown among the thorns:  these are the ones who hear the word, but the cares of the world,, and the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it yields nothing."  Mark 4:19 

In a spiritual garden, as in a physical garden, weeds cannot be neglected, and the uprooting of them is always the goal.  Those who submit to the work and the handiwork of God are both blessed and a blessing.

May your garden flourish with life and love at the touch of our Father's hand.

"On Being Led"

I never know for certain where I am going to be or what I am going to be doing at any given point in time.  I may make plans, but I always know those are subject to all sorts of variables beyond me.  When the day began I had no idea I would end up in Jim's yard, cleaning up debris and following a certain train of thought.  The thinking part is always a plus as it seems I do some of my best thinking while working.

The day began quite rainy so I had pretty much decided it was going to be void of any outside work.  By noon the four walls were closing in on me, and I headed out anyway, fully expecting to get soaked and have a good reason for quitting.  That is not how the day turned out though.

Let me set this up.  I am of the thinking that most of us want to live our lives with a sense of order, purpose, and direction.  For me, that has been a desire for as long as I can remember.  In the "ago," and it has been so long ago, I can't tell you when--the One who created me whispered, "I will lead you and guide you in the way you should go."  He doesn't shout, you know.  It's the still, small, quiet voice.  My response and reaction at the time was, "Yeah, whatever."   As time and years have passed, I find I have gone to that statement over and over again, valuing it rather than giving it a casual, flippant response. 

I HAVE been led and guided--through a divorce after 37 years of marriage (You don't expect to hear God and divorce in the same thought, do you?) ; into the job marketplace where my only "work experience" on a resume' was several decades of being a stay-at-home mom to four children; into a gardening business where I am now able to mow and blow with the best of them; into my own home.  I could go on and on.   

There are some who will say this is no different than living life "on the fly", a "whatever will be" mentality.  For me, I know the difference.  This is being grounded, being connected to Someone larger than me.  Who knows me better than my Creator?  Who has higher goals and aspirations for me than I could ever think of for myself?  It's the parent/child scenario where the parent always, only wants what is best for the child.

Am I preaching?  No.  It is not my desire to change your way of thinking or for you to live your life as I do.  My life is mine; yours is yours.  I am only sharing with you how I lived my life today, which brings me back to Jim's yard.  I never expected to go to Jim's today, as he is a Tuesday  client, and today is Thursday.  Sometimes my little red truck has a mind of its own though, and I remembered seeing a pile of fallen branches in his yard.  The rain cleared, and I piled the debris into my truck.   Jim is coming home to a clean space, and I get to cross off a project on my to-do list.  Who knew?  As I worked, deep in thought, I was once again grateful for being led and guided.  Simplistic?  Maybe--but for me, powerful.

"An Addendum to the Postscript"

I want to add an addendum to the "Postscript" I shared yesterday.  Phew!  Is that an overkill sentence or what?!!  I had shared the blog with Dorothy's daughter, and she thanked me for the picture.  She said that she had seen the message  "LOVE" as it was beginning to flower but had never seen it clearly.  Her comment is food for thought:  "Love comes in so many forms."  Like mother, like daughter is what I say.