There is something magical about a well-manicured, freshly cut lawn. For me, its neat uniformity brings about a sense of pride, achievement and satisfaction; or so I thought. You see, my wife is an avid gardener, a true ‘green thumb’, who thinks a beautiful, pristine lawn is called ‘grass’, and that ‘grass’ is a waste of space. In her eyes, a diversity of plants is where true beauty lies; each contributing unique qualities that when combined as a whole help to maintain a thriving ecosystem. Through a selfless act of love, a large portion of our back lawn was surrendered to make way for garden beds. At the time I was not aware of how much these garden beds would change our lives.
As we enter Spring I appreciate many things; the warmer air and longer days are certainly a welcomed pleasure, however, what I love most is the new growth that accompanies it. The environment around us seems to burst to life; trees adorn themselves in a cloak of fresh foliage while flower buds bloom to reveal a rainbow of colour. The emerging hum of the garden soon follows, as pollinators begin to carry out their tireless work.
This season of work and growth has been reflected in our own lives too. Two lessons my wife and I have learnt in the ‘classroom’ we call our garden are as follows:
1. In life, and particularly in this season, we need to be reminded to stop and smell the flowers or to sit and listen to the bees. What these adages really prompt us to do is to intentionally practise the art of ‘being still’ as we are encouraged to in Psalm 46:10. Doing so provides us with the opportunity to reflect and focus on all the good that surrounds us. It’s amazing what this change in perspective can do for your mental wellbeing.
2. For many, tending to the garden in this new season brings about a never-ending list of jobs that require your time and attention. As I set to work completing these tasks, I am reminded that it is the act of caring for something that connects us with our Creator. Genesis 1:27 tells us that we were made is His likeness and Genesis 2:15 speaks of our role in nurturing kindness towards all creation. Working in the garden is no longer a chore but rather something I look forward to because it’s a place where I can slow down and dwell with my God.
With Spring on our doorstep - a season of new life and growth - what parts of your life need tending to? What dormant/neglected part of your life will be awakened? What parts need to be pruned to bring about new, accelerated growth? What parts need to be supported or nourished? Whatever your answers are to these questions, I encourage you and your families to use this new season as an opportunity to start fresh, reconnect and blossom into something truly beautiful – each unique and yet equally valuable in our Creator’s garden.
Mr Michael Hosken
Stage 3 Coordinator
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