I think it is nothing short of marvelous that the natural world reflects the spiritual. That’s probably one of the reasons that I’m not only drawn to nature, but comforted by it. It calms me and quiets my mind. That’s why I like camping and spending hours at a time on the beach, which is where I am today.
But as you know, I was out in the garden yesterday. I often learn some of life’s greatest lessons through nature. I believe it’s the platform for modern day parables. Jesus has always used parables to teach. He used farming analogies to teach farmers, shepherding analogies to teach shepherds, and every Spring, He uses the garden to teach me.
The words “fallow ground” kept swirling around in my mind as I churned the earth with my garden rake. I had heard the phrase in a bible verse, “Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, til He comes and rains righteousness on you” Hosea 10:12
Out of curiosity, I looked up the word fallow. It refers to land that has been plowed, yet unseeded. Cultivated and waiting. Those two words I think accurately describe my spiritual and emotional state.
I learned when I looked up fallow that is also means inactive. I felt as though my creativity was lying fallow during these last weeks of winter. I was so uninspired. But, while I was out in the yard, I noticed my creativity start to awaken. I believe this fallow season in my life has been a time of preparation, and I am ready to bloom. What’s the saying? A watched pot never blooms?
There is a little story book called “The Carrot Seed”, that I used to read to my students this time of year. In it, a little boy plants a carrot. He waters it. He watches it. He waits. Until one day, the carrot’s green leaves sprout out of the ground. When it is time, the little boy pulls his carrot out of the ground, only to discover it is HUGE, bigger than the little boy could have ever dreamed or imagined.
I once received a card that read, “every flower that ever bloomed had to go through a whole lot of dirt to get there.” That “ground time” is a time for growth. It’s where dreams take root and passions grow depth. We can’t see all that is taking place, but it is. With the right care, just like the little boy in The Carrot Seed, we will reap a harvest.
See you in class,
Mrs. Hines
I loved reading the about the carrot seed, and just like you, the weather plays a big part in my emotional and spiritual life. I may not live on the beach anymore but still love the sun- it makes me smile. Storms brewing get the darker side of my emotions to come out and helps to release any anger I may have, spring is special, as it signifies “new birth” in nature and spirituality, and how can I not love seeing the beautiful leaves changing colors in the fall? Winter is my hibernation time though,