Planting Next Year's Garden

Proverbs 12:27

"The lazy man does not roast his game,
but the diligent man prizes his possessions."

If I were to rewrite this proverb based on personal experience it might read

"The lazy woman does not plant
her purchased tulip bulbs,
but the diligent gardener
cherishes every opportunity to plant."

To my chagrin I found the bulbs I purchased last year in a cupboard all shriveled and dying. This year I have determined that next spring I will not be envying other people's tulips. Next spring I will have my own tulips, crocuses, alliums, daffodils, etc. growing in my own garden. All the work of this week has been to that end.

The visit to my old garden at my old house made me realize how much I've missed gardening. And it's really good for you, too - it's physical labor, which is missing in so many American's lives, it can be therapeutic, too. One positive change usually leads to another. One hopeful act will plant the seed of another hopeful act. At least that's the plan!

There is something about planting bulbs that builds character. First of all, it's a lesson in delayed gratification. I plant it now, in September, and next May, a whole 8 months away, they bloom. Second, it's a lesson in hope. The planting act hopes (assumes) that I will be here next May and the bulbs will bloom.