“Train up a child the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6
I had the pleasure of potting up pepper plants on Saturday with our 12 yr. old son. I have to confess it was great fun just observing him as we worked together. As a mom of two daughters and two sons, I have come to appreciate the vast differences between boys and girls! With all the bravado and volume of a pre-teen he managed our tasks with the authority of one destined for leadership. He asked questions and considered my answers as he tenderly tucked baby plants into their new pots commenting on their sizes, roots etc. When we were finished he was gone in a flash, returning to his room to work on another “invention”. I saw him later reading in the indoor garden while our youngest daughter checked the plants. Then it struck me.
Gardening is part of them. They’ve been “trained” throughout the years to know about soil, the importance of bees and beneficial insects, the dangers of pesticides and chemicals, the joys of blossoms and the miracle of growing. Just by playing and working in the backyard. They’ve planted, harvested, cooked and canned. They’ve given “tours” and fresh fruits and vegetables to neighbors. What seeds have we really planted in them along the way?
- Patience: Everything grows in it’s own time.
- Diligence: Proper care yields the greatest results.
- Humility: Gardeners tend a garden, they don’t control it.
- Hard work: The dignity of dirty hands.
- Generosity: The joy of sharing with others.
- Curiosity: Each day brings new discoveries, things are always changing.
- Respect: Our Earth is a precious gift, we need to be good stewards.
Our children may not be avid gardeners as adults, but the lessons they’ve learned will benefit them far beyond their own backyards. For that, Lord, I am truly thankful.
