Day 2

 Pictures to show what is happening.

Before:

As of today:

Tomorrow there will be more...

The garden requires a lot of work.  The "before" pictures are a couple weeks ago. I tried to take a few "before" pictures today, but my phone ate them.  I also had more "after" pictures: these were eaten in the transfer to my computer.  

I had more "before" pictures from when the garden was an absolute mess only 5 months ago.  Those too were eated by my computer/phone.  None of this should be a surprise to any of you who know me and my isues with electronics... still a bit frustrating.

But looking at the above pictures from a few weeks ago, I see that, unfortunately, many of the areas I had so carefully weeded have once again become overrun with weeds. The second "after" picture shows an area I tackled today and then I planted a ground cover myoporum that should spread. I have a second one to plant tomorrow. I also planted 5 other plants, but again, no pictures to show. The planter boxes are new and there are more new plants ready to go in the ground as well.  

I find deep joy in helping and watching things grow. The blossoms of the flowers, some of which are now becoming fruit, is an incredible gift to watch, and even more so to participate in by upturning the soil, adding potting soil and fertilizer, watering and planting. I also admire the tenacity of the weeds. I find myself in conversations with them, "Your love of life, your commitment to living and spreading have my great respect. At the same time, you were not invited to this particular party.  You will harm the plants that bring us joy and beauty, so you will need to move out now and find another place to grow. Thank you for your living, and for your letting go of the dirt as I pull or hoe, so that other plants might thrive in this space." The weeds have life, too, and I believe all life should be treated with respect.  

Which brings me to answer my two questions for today.  Where did I see God today? And what did I learn/ where is God leading?  

1.  In some ways the camera and photo app not working on my phone could be seen as a gift: it invites me to stay in the moment, to do what I can do each day and not try to force the process to move more quickly than it will.

2.  I know not all that I plant will succeed, but that's okay.  I will do my best to care for each plant and be accepting of what does not change and adapt well to being planted in my yard.

3.  For two days now I've spent only about 3 hours a day in the garden.  It quickly gets too hot, and I'm still nursing my knee and foot a bit.  Taking my time with it, doing other things, or just resting has also been a gift.

4.  It has been a challenge to be present with what I'm doing today.  My mind slips back to church and Presbytery.  I may write more about that tomorrow.  For today, I'm trying to be gentle with the thoughts, hopes, memories and concerns that arise.

5.  Finally, spending time focusing on the value of the weeds, their lives, even as they lose them, has helped me to remember the interdependence of all life, and the importance of honoring and remembering those whose life ends, even if we only name them to be weeds.

God is in it all, gently nudging me forward to tomorrow.