The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside,
somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God.
Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be
and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.
Anne Frank
I love the days the world deems “unproductive.” Yesterday, I accomplished little in the way of work but enjoyed every minute of planting seeds with our sick son and a long three hour conversation with an elderly neighbor that dropped by to use our phone. I had time to sit back and listen, to reflect on someone else’s thoughts and ideas. It was a blessed break from my daily hectic pace and I learned a few things!
Yesterday reminded me that opportunities arise in the most ordinary circumstances. Our neighbor’s phone wasn’t working, he only stopped by for a minute to borrow ours to call the phone company. After seeing flashes of red from the cardinals flitting to the feeder, and seeing rabbit prints outside the patio door he wanted a closer look. We watched out the window as the birds appeared and disappeared and the squirrels went through Olympic-worthy routines to reach the sunflower seeds from the feeder. I told him of throwing open the door for a bit of fresh air only to discover a skunk had recently passed through. He chuckled. Then he asked what other animals visited our yard. Upon hearing of deer, woodchucks, ducks, herons, rabbits, raccoons and a fox he was wide-eyed and curious. Before leaving he decided to plant a garden where their old pool is being taken down in thspring.
Yesterday I was reminded that talking and teaching are wonderful ways to introduce people to gardening and the importance of caring for the fragile eco-system we live in, but when they can see it for themselves it sparks more than interest…it sparks action. I was also reminded that I have very, very sweet neighbors that I’m happy to call friends.
