Now that summer is ending with kids back in school we have time to refocus on some things that are important to us for our development. I have been having an interesting learning experience this summer. My sister has been taking time to teach me how to write more effectively. Since it was so many years ago that I took English, I am receiving a grammar review course.
It all started with my website where I was restructuring many items on the site. From there, the editing transferred over into my newsletters and blogs which she found very challenging! Now I am so much more aware of how much I needed to learn about writing. I have discovered I have to be very conscientious with my sentence structure applying the proper grammar and punctuation. In addition, I have discovered how impatient I am, eager to produce something quickly without taking the time to examine carefully what’s written.
I think this writing experience ties into my theme of gardening. I am learning patience. Taking time for things to develop without getting immediate results can be challenging but very valuable. Most of us are in a quick fix society where we want to just take a pill and feel better instantly. Waiting on our own development while sitting with the process comes with maturity.
I am aware in my garden that most of the time plants or trees mature over multiple years. The roots need to penetrate deep into the soil first before they are ready to blossom or produce growth. Fruit needs to ripen before it can be picked. Similar to our lives we have to wait until our new beliefs or attitudes have time to penetrate deep into our hearts. It is then that the fruit can be exhibited both internally and outwardly.
Another metaphor for life in gardening is you have to deal with things that are entirely out of your control. Weather, bugs, rabbits that burrow, and droughts can all have an impact on our garden. Often we experience these changes in our jobs, relationships, or life events. Life can show up with things that seem unmanageable humanly speaking. If we step into fixing things it gets worse many times. If we just relinquish our need to God, it usually releases the energy to flow better into our lives.
The serenity prayer comes to mind. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.” I need to pray for wisdom to know the difference. That is the difficult part!
Tips for gardening your soul:
• Develop patience to wait on the timing for things.
• Let go of things you have no control over.
• Envision experiencing peaceful feelings while waiting.
• Trust there is a good work happening inwardly in the waiting process.
• Enjoy displaying the fruit of our efforts to others.