I think spring has finally come to Barrie. The temperatures are rising, flowers are starting to bloom and grow. Mike and I have started to plan our landscaping and veggie gardens for the summer. In so many ways this is my favourite time of year!
I was thinking about the newness of spring, new growth, the anticipation of the summer months ahead - swimming in our pool, relaxing in our hot tub, camping trips and backyard BBQ's, fresh veggies in the garden. There's a lot of planning and work that has to happen in order for us to be able to enjoy these things together and with friends.
As I thought about this on my way to work this morning I began relating the idea of spring and new growth to my life. I have been on a pretty significant spiritual journey for the past several months, some might argue the past 3 years. I've gotten to a place where I feel like I've done pretty good, I know I've grown, I am much less fearful and defensive, my heart yearns to know God more - and I am more than aware that knowing Him requires me to fully know myself. In order for the growth I have done to be sustained, to be ever deeper, to impact others' lives for the good, I need to continue to pay attention to the health of my inner garden.
When you plant a garden, there are a few things to consider for the longevity and success of the harvest. Sunlight is a big one, regular watering another, but what about pests such as caterpillars or snails, bunny rabbits or the really sneaky ones, cut worms. These things are a bit like our habits, the little things we maybe don't notice about our daily lives or choose to ignore. How do I cope with stress? How well am I sleeping at night? How much wine have I had to drink? Am I exercising regularly (or at all)? How's my diet? Am I taking a day off on a regular basis and making art or just simply resting.
I think these things are important to think about because if we don't, a bit like not looking after your plants in the garden; without sun, water, pest control, a little bit of pruning and stirring up of the dirt and weeding, your garden isn't going to be much of a garden for very long.
I was thinking about the newness of spring, new growth, the anticipation of the summer months ahead - swimming in our pool, relaxing in our hot tub, camping trips and backyard BBQ's, fresh veggies in the garden. There's a lot of planning and work that has to happen in order for us to be able to enjoy these things together and with friends.
As I thought about this on my way to work this morning I began relating the idea of spring and new growth to my life. I have been on a pretty significant spiritual journey for the past several months, some might argue the past 3 years. I've gotten to a place where I feel like I've done pretty good, I know I've grown, I am much less fearful and defensive, my heart yearns to know God more - and I am more than aware that knowing Him requires me to fully know myself. In order for the growth I have done to be sustained, to be ever deeper, to impact others' lives for the good, I need to continue to pay attention to the health of my inner garden.
When you plant a garden, there are a few things to consider for the longevity and success of the harvest. Sunlight is a big one, regular watering another, but what about pests such as caterpillars or snails, bunny rabbits or the really sneaky ones, cut worms. These things are a bit like our habits, the little things we maybe don't notice about our daily lives or choose to ignore. How do I cope with stress? How well am I sleeping at night? How much wine have I had to drink? Am I exercising regularly (or at all)? How's my diet? Am I taking a day off on a regular basis and making art or just simply resting.
I think these things are important to think about because if we don't, a bit like not looking after your plants in the garden; without sun, water, pest control, a little bit of pruning and stirring up of the dirt and weeding, your garden isn't going to be much of a garden for very long.