Friday, March 8, 2019
“In the morning sow your seed, and at the evening do not let your hands be idle; for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.” Ecclesiastes 11:6
Early in the new year a cartoon caught my attention. It described a conversation that went something like this: Why are you so optimistic about 2019? What do you think it will bring. Everything seems so messed up. And the other character relied. “I think it will bring flowers”. There will be flowers? How do you know that? “I’m planting flowers!”
A gardener, or a farmer, a teacher, a parent, a priest…plants in hope; yes, there may be drought or torrential rainstorms, or challenges or health concerns, or frustrations of all kinds, but the hope is in the effort expended…the preparation, the work, the attitude that will yield growth, beauty and abundance. Even if we are not the ones to reap the harvest!
So it is with our growth as human beings. It takes work and it’s not up to someone else to make it better. What parts of your life need attention? Some watering, or transplanting, pruning or warmth and sunshine? How long are you going to wait before you get started? What new and wonderful growth might germinate in you, if you but open yourself to God’s Spirit at work?
Aside: Did you know that nasturtiums are edible? The flowers, leaves and buds can all be added to salads or as garnishes, providing a fresh, peppery flavour. They come in a profusion of jewel colours and are easy to grow, being happy in virtually any soil. The buds may be pickled and used as you would capers. Be sure to wash the flowers well before use as tiny bugs enjoy their nectar!