Gardening is my passion. I am happiest when I’m in my ratty jeans and my hands are in the dirt. I enjoy the summer sunshine, the breeze that blows across our alfalfa fields, and the company of robins as they keep an eye out for the worms I may uncover.
While I am planting seeds, pulling weeds, and nourishing the ground they grow in, my mind is free to ponder things other than what is for supper and how many math lessons we have yet to complete.
These are the times God speaks to my heart about not only pruning my tomato plants, but also my negative thoughts. He shows me how each of my plants are different and require different elements to grow to their own individual beauty-just like my kids.
Being a mom of five active kids, I look forward to fresh carrots, beans, cucumbers, and squash to feed their ever increasing appetites. I have learned over the years that gardening can also fill their hearts with lessons best learned outside of the classroom.
Who would have thought that while planting seeds, pulling weeds, watering, and harvesting, we are also growing character? Patience is learned only when we wait for what we want. We learn to share by giving what is important to us to others. Respect for nature is learned by carefully observing spider webs and putting the toad back where we found it. Few things make us feel as good about ourselves as knowing that our efforts matter to our family and we are appreciated.
For the rest of this post, join me over at Minnesota Country Girl where I have the privilege of guest posting for Summer in the Outdoors: A Homeschool Series of Gardening, Foraging & Nature Studies.
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