The Humble Garden: By Mary Wroblewski

July, and all the pleasures of summer, including the celebration of OUR COUNTRY and OUR FREEDOM on July 4th, is here.  In summer months, we spend more time outdoors, and are given the opportunity to truly unplug and disconnect from devices, freeing ourselves to discover what is literally in our own backyards.  We can experience a real sense of being a part of something bigger in the universe through GARDENING. Gardening proves to be an activity that instills a feeling of pride, accomplishment, and belonging.  While gardening, you are performing an age-old task, that by its nature, brings engagement with others in unexpected ways and outcomes; and the mighty God we serve is at the center of it all.  During WWII families were encouraged to plant Victory Gardens to offset the shortages seen in their pantries.  This, enhanced food production on the home-front freeing up resources for the war effort. Victory gardens also cultivated a sense of patriotism and community while providing a morale boost and fresh, nutritious foods for families.

When gardening, seeds, plants or cuttings are acquired, either from a friend, family member, neighbor, or, purchased from a local nursery or garden center; either way, you engaged with someone. You probably involved family and friends for suggestions or advice, and you recognized how “gap-bridging” gardening can be when done with a child, teenager, or older adult. It is infinitely more enjoyable sharing the work of gardening with someone, especially when time is allowed for a good visit.  When your garden starts to bloom and “bear fruit”, most will share their harvest with friends, neighbors or local food banks, leading to the joy of sharing something homegrown with other humans.  Many will bring homegrown flowers indoors or share a bouquet with a friend adding natures’ beauty to indoor spaces.  I’ll bet, home grown tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and corn will be on many Wayne County 4th of July menus, nourishing the bodies of family and friends.

So, how was God at work in all of these “simple task” you were doing?  While you were simply planting a garden, God was providing necessary ingredients for growth and development…not just in the garden, but in your personal life. When those “ingredients” weren’t always ideal, you used your God-given intellect to research a workaround; that may have been through a professional, a friend or a family member who knew more about care for your particular garden. You learned how to pivot and punt for success, that you are never alone in any undertaking, and how to forge lasting relationships while sharing common ground.  What may seem a chore can be pure joy when shared in love and fellowship.  Can solutions to peace be as simple as recognizing first, from Whom all blessings come, and gathering together as families, friends, and communities to share common interest?  

With God, there is always a workaround and generally, it is as easy as humbly sharing your garden. How is your garden growing Wayne County this July?