I’ve discovered the secret to gardening: continous cultivation. Gardening is a rewarding, delightful experience to plant and watch the vegetation grow. Through the seasons it changes and evolves into a habitat that is pleasant, provides shelter for birds and butterflies and is a blessing to my family, friends and neighbors.
I find many parrallels to parenting with gardening. Raising three beautiful daughters brings to mind that same sense of cultivation. They are growing into thoughtful, gifted and kind young ladies. Day after day they amaze me with what they learn and do. As they mature, their lives are a blessing to those around them.
The difference though in parenting is that I am part of this garden. If I wither on the vine, they do not flourish. I must tend to my personal garden, my thoughts, my habits and my actions to continue to be a person with love, peace and purpose in my life. Yes, I must cultivate a healthy life within myself and then I am able to help them bloom and grow.
that was a fabulous analogy…
Random, Thanks for the comment. Some themes in life have serious reverb in my brain. This one hits home everyday when I walk in the door.
Hi Phil, What a glorious photo. I missed out on having lovely girls, but had enough special students to fill that void. I do have exactly that sage plant in my front garden though. I surrepititiously planted it when we moved here (it’s technically common area) and it’s thrived in spite of gardener’s week whackers and motorized hedge trimmers. It isn’t pretty because it’s had to fend off so much, but it blooms each year, and I get to enjoy those gorgeous red flowers. Lovely post.
Thanks Kelly, yeah the post idea came much later than the photo, but it was one of those perfect fits for the message when I perused through our photos.