As a young kid, there was always a garden or farm nearby. In my earliest memories, fresh peaches, cherry plums, and walnuts were available in season. As we moved about, vegetables and more types of trees joined the list. Along with each came the related activities of watering, fertilizing, weeding, pruning, and of course harvesting.
As I look back I realize that I always enjoyed the process. Some have suggested that this was because I was not ultimately responsible. I give my mother and grandmother credit for my attitude. Each approach the the garden tasks at hand with a smile, laugh, and sense of adventure. Their attitude was contagious. From as early as I can remember, every trip to the garden was a possibility for fun. Eating fruit before it was fully ripe, throwing fruit at my brothers when it was past its prime and fading on the ground, and even weeding are etched in my mind as great memories.
I remember challenging my grandmother on the point of weeding. Her explanation was direct and to the point. Weeding is not about taking out what is bad. Weeding is about taking care of what is important. Our goal is to give plants room to grow, access to nutrients, and avoiding unnecessary battles for survival.
As I was recently reminded, Divinity often takes on the role of the caretaker of our lives. When I reflect on the Psalmist words, “I’ll weed out all who oppose him, I’ll clean out all who hate him,” (Psalm 89.23) I imagine my grandmother’s smile and determination. The lingering scene of her out in the garden, hoe in hand, fighting with the occasional snake, and taking care of the errant weed that has the audacity to try to squeeze in where it should not be, continues to remind me of the Spirit that is always with you and me.
It is good to know that there are new beginnings with someone on my side. We are never alone. There is a gardener in every life. Life is better because of their work.
