Worth It

There is something about the living, growing things of this world and about participating in that growth that gives me a kind of unexpected pleasure and joy to my soul as to be akin to food for my body. When I have planted a seed, watered it, weeded it and waited for it to grow, it somehow fills me with wonder, satisfaction, and joy inexplicable to see it push its way miraculously above the ground and grow. Then, as I continue to nourish, tend and water the growing things, they respond by giving out foliage and fruit in abundance. And, although I did not create the DNA within the seed, still, without me, the plant would surely die.

Living in a desert, as we do, one quickly learns that if you want something more than sagebrush and cactus, you simply must provide water. The awesome power of the canal system which brings water to thousands of fields is truly life-giving and without it, half of the State of Idaho would be barren, both of plants and people. In realizing the importance of water to my garden or lawn, I couldn't help but see the similarity between plants and people.

Some people have called this world a lonely wilderness, where the things one truly needs are as scarce as water in a desert. People search for health, happiness and loving relationships their entire lives and often end up disappointed. Families can be a source of all of those things, or they can be a source of the opposite. Unfortunately, people seem to be less and less knowledgeable and capable of providing the kind of home where the cravings of the heart, mind and soul are satisfied.

Since before I was married I was gardening, but it was only recently that I began to do more than just the cursory tilling, planting, sporadic watering and occasional weeding. The fact that I was growing a family was my excuse for not being more diligent in my gardening. But, now that I no longer have small children to keep track of, my eyes and hands are freed somewhat to care for my garden. Thus, I began to discover things about gardening that surprised and amazed me. I have had numerous failures where gardening is concerned and they always made me feel as though I were just not quite good enough, or green enough or something. When I began to garden in earnest, I discovered that a good watering system could hide a multitude of sins, so to speak. I also learned that if I went out every day and looked at my garden, I didn't have to have a degree in gardening, to know pretty much what my plants needed. When I did those two things, I was amazed to find that my garden responded with such abundance and beauty, that I could hardly believe my eyes! The difference between my other gardens and the one I had been with day by day, was phenomenal. Joy and happiness were my first and most rewarding harvests. After that came the vegetables and fruit. They were strong, healthy and beautiful. They simply eclipsed anything I could purchase at the store and when I partook of their nourishment, I could feel the difference in every way. Wow, I thought. All that from just being there every day.

When I had started my new garden, I made a promise to the garden and to myself, that I would be there for the garden, every day when possible. I kept that promise and was abundantly blessed. Interestingly enough, when I started my family, I made the same commitment to them. Families are like gardens; they grow best when consistently watered and looked after. This world can be a real desert, where love, happiness and joy are rare and precious gifts. Parents can be like an aquifer in the desert, giving children the love and support they need in order to grow and flourish. You don't have to have a degree in child psychology. It only takes love and commitment. Having made that commitment and shared the love I felt, I have tasted of the fruits of my labor and can honestly say it is not only worth the effort, but its the best thing I have ever tasted.