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September 19, 2007
Talking to Dirt
Natalie and I both thrive on being outside. We had the opportunity today when we wanted to keep the house quiet for Peter to sleep. She "helped" me break ground in the back of our property for a shade garden come spring. She loved digging through the dirt, looking at bugs and worms, pulling up the weeds and throwing them in the pile. It was a perfect fall day, still warm enough to not be uncomfortable, but such a nice crispness and a breeze too. A day when you just feel content being alive, soaking it all in. It was just the healing balm I needed, having felt pretty agitated lately and having had little sleep with her the night before.
We had so much fun, working and playing side by side. I loved watching her, her hair blowing softly in the light wind, her curiousity and joy in being and discovering. I looked over the space and imagined what it could look like someday--a nice peaceful spot. There's something so thrilling and satisfying about building something beautiful a little bit at a time. Without thinking I found myself saying to the turned up earth, "Don't worry, you're dirt and weeds right now, but you'll be so pretty after I'm done with you." I immediately laughed at my dorky habit of talking to inanimate objects (possibly related to not seeing many adults during the day), but then a warmth filled me as I felt God say, "That's how I feel about you." It's not the first time I've thought about all the pictures of God in gardening. It's no wonder Jesus used seeds and such in His parables so often. I'm so glad He's patient with my slow growth but also loves me enough to yank the stubborn weeds out by their roots sometimes.
...and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Ephesians 4:22
Posted by Shannon at September 19, 2007 09:25 PM
Comments
I love that too, and you're not crazy to talk to dirt (and other things)... I do it all the time :) We should get together soon so you can have some adult time.
Posted by: Esther at September 21, 2007 06:15 PM