This past year with the lockdowns, masks, fear and death reminded me of the three dormant vegetable beds in my backyard. Hard soil, overgrown with weeds, lifeless. I’ve noticed them for months, but I wasn’t motivated to change anything about the eye sore. I knew it would take a lot of work to get them back into shape. Was it really worth it? In past years I invested so much time and energy to grow nice vegetables, only to lose the produce to the deer and rabbits who raided my garden.
The nudge of encouragement came last week when my spouse said we needed to do something with those ugly beds. Instead of vegetables she suggested deer-proof wildflowers. She did her research on-line and ordered lots of seeds. So last weekend I got to work on the beds, first pulling out all of the weeds and then tilling the soil. The procrastination was over. It was time to get back to work! Needless to say, when the job was completed, I had a great sense of accomplishment.
I think a lot of people have experienced that the soil surrounding them has gotten hard and maybe even full of weeds. We’ve put on extra weight, drank a bit too much, and have become frustrated and angry. Some have even fallen into depression. My heart aches for all of those who have suffered emotionally, physically and financially. Without work we lose purpose. Without connection to our loved ones and friends we lose hope.Â
My spouse encouraged me last week to till the soil and create something new. Let me also encourage you!
The Year has passed: You’ve made it through the past year. It is behind you. Some of you have had to endure a lot of pain and suffering. This will make you stronger and more appreciative of what you have.
Spring has arrived: Life is coming back, just look at the trees and plants around you. Covid numbers are going down. Those who want a vaccine are getting them. Stores and restaurants are opening. Kids are going back to school. States are ending the lockdown and the mask mandate. College students are headed South for Spring break. Zoom calls are starting to be replaced by real face-to-face meetings.
We are blessed: Even in the trials we understand that we are blessed to live in such a prosperous and rich country. Our country has resources that other countries could only dream of. Our access to the internet made it possible for us to connect to family and colleagues via zoom and to watch movies on Netflix and Amazon Prime. Facetime has allowed us to see our relatives in Europe at the touch of a button. Food services delivered meals directly to our homes. Non-profits set up foodbanks and our government has sent out PPP checks. My spouse and I were able to go on daily walks with our dog. The past year was difficult, but it could have been much worse.
You are able: The time is now to get motivated, stop procrastinating and get back to a full life. Use your gifts and talents, along with a positive attitude to approach the chore in front of you.
Remember, you got through the past year!
Don’t go it alone: There is no need to go it alone. If you need support or encouragement, reach out to a relative, friend or neighbor. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Isolation is the worst disease, very much on par with fear.
Soil can lay dormant and be covered in weeds. Or it can be worked on to produce wonderful vegetables or flowers. My prayer is that you will have an abundant harvest in 2021.