I read that if one studies a garden, he or she will see human life. I take the challenge!
Plants affect our emotions like people do. Weeds are irritating like an annoying habit. Both keep reappearing even though they supposedly have been eliminated. Swearing, criticizing, procrastinating, and cracking one’s chewing gum are all annoying habits. Weeds are frustrating but blossoms bring joy. The blossoms attract birds and bees which bring more happiness to the yard. I can’t be in my garden without smiling. If my plants are eaten, I’m angry and sad. The deer and rabbits know how to affect my emotions. I pull weeds, spray against deer and rabbits, and am daily filled with joy because of the garden’s beauty. That’s the best emotion the garden gives.
Gardens attract surprising visitors like unexpected people appear in life. This summer a baby skunk was in the yard. It was very cute, but not a visitor I wanted to stay. Possums, raccoons, chipmunks and squirrels have all ventured into my garden. Only the squirrels have become permanent neighbors. All have provided interesting encounters like various people have over the years.
The most obvious thing to notice about a garden is life and death. My daffodils, tulips and irises return year after year even though their leaves wither and die. For Christians, the human body dies but is reborn in heaven. The Easter lilies in the picture are lilies I planted years ago. I saved them from Easter services and planted them when the weather allowed. I look forward to seeing them each year like I look forward to seeing old friends.
Summer is a wonderful season even with the heat. Gardeners know the importance of water and pray for rain. Being patient is an important attribute of a gardener like it is for a person. Being patient with others and pulling the weeds out of ourselves are both lessons a garden can teach. The most important lesson is remembering who created all this beauty. Thank you God!
Jeanne Lemmon Skinner 