There are
so many joys I find in gardening: the discovery of life in a new
blossom, the first burst of rose buds in the spring, and that grand tree, dormant
for winter, finally stretches and releases fresh green leaves. The doves coo in
the quiet dawn mornings as the butterflies practice the choreography of the
season.
I often
write about gardening because it teaches me so much about life. Most of all, it has taught me to slow down the day and avoid
list-making in order to truly take in the moments that nature created for us to
enjoy.
Because of
my love for gardening, I have
become fascinated with garden stories and metaphors. Many refer to the garden for cultural
significance while others look to the garden for spiritual understanding.
During a
recent trip to Asia, I became fascinated with the green leaf. Its design was on
clothing, jewelry and notebooks. It was everywhere— an icon of new life, good
luck and good health.
When I
returned home, I came across a book, Green
Leaf in Drought by Isobel Kuhn, a true story about the lives of
missionaries who traveled in the most eastern part of China during the early
1950s. It documented their lives and the many trials they faced trying to be "green leaves" during many seasons of drought, loss and sadness. The story of their lives touched my
heart.
We all go
through droughts such as loss, uncertainty and sadness during the seasons of
life and yet, through these challenging times, there is always hope
for newness.
How To Be a Green Leaf in Drought
- Find a
time in your day to refill yourself with something you enjoy.
- Play some
music, sketch, take a walk, read, putter in the garden, try
a new recipe or set some time aside to just sit, be still and breathe.
- Once you
refill the soil of your soul, you will discover the newness of life that gives
you strength to continue to shine. You will have the strength
to continue to grow through all seasons. You are a green leaf.
- Plant a
seed of encouragement to help others who may be going through a drought.
