This year I started a
new job here at our monastery. I became the gardener for the interior patio. I
expected to like the work. I had helped Sr. Mariana for a couple of seasons
beforehand and still depend upon her wisdom and experience for advice and methods.
But I had never seriously planted anything much before, at least anything that
actually grew up to be something. So now as I see the abundance of color and
lots of foliage, I am amazed and proud.
It’s rewarding to hear
the Sisters talk about how much the beauty of the garden lifts their spirits.
We certainly have had limited opportunities for “new growth” of any kind during
this year and a-half of Covid-induced isolation. Those who keep an eye on
things in the patio discover something new everyday: an emerging tiny bud, an
expanding blossom, visiting birds and butterflies, greenery that exceeds all
expectations and some plants that are already completing one phase of their
life cycle for the year, providing us with a metaphor for the Paschal Mystery.
The garden has taught
me. (Mostly about the weeding needed in life.) I offer the following verse as
an example of nature’s lessons that make me smile:
Yesterday's Blossoms
have turned to brown.
I would have preferred
them to keep
so that every flower
might be glorious together.
But that is not the
way.
And so, I treasure
each
in
turn.
May the Spirit of God
in me reflect the beauty and wisdom of this day!
