June Bloom
Now that I’m in charge of our garden, I’m going to keep it simple. Charles enjoyed poking and prodding the soil, adding flowers, flagstone, and bricks to create lovely groupings and borders. And he loved creating a bouquet for me for our dining room table. He had two very green thumbs.
I, on the other hand, have a green thumb with indoor plants but it’s not so green outdoors because I haven’t had much practice except for picking weeds–which I did a lot of over the last few weeks, now that my dear gardener has gone on to his next assignment.
But today, I took a second look and I love what I saw. The three rose bushes are thriving, the princess plants are growing, the pansies are holding up their sweet faces to the sun, and the green shrubs are shiny and full.
As I studied this array of God’s lovely gifts tears welled up. Much like these beautiful plants and flowers, I realize I’m thriving and growing too, and feeling full–full of grace and gratitude for my ‘new’ life as well as for the former. I’m blooming again and it feels wonderful.
I’m asking God for the *serenity to do what I can, the courage to let go of what I cannot do, (I’m not the gardener Charles was) and the wisdom to know and see the difference. I am enjoying what Charles created and I’m going to enjoy what I do to keep my life simple.
(*adapted from The Serenity Prayer
by the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr)
Such wise words, Karen, and a lesson to us all. Thank you!
Thank you for your comment, Kristi. I feel encouraged by your encouragement!
I wish your blog had a “Like” button. I’d certainly click on it for this post.
Thanks, Janet. If you wish to share it with others, please copy this link and post it on your Facebook.
https://www.karenoconnor.com/june-bloom/#comments
Wonderful, Karen. I’m so glad you’re doing well. With good memories we can handle anything, don’t you think?
Yes, prayer and memories sustain me. Thanks, Marie.
Beautiful post from a beautiful woman. What an example of faith and love! You are an inspiration.
Thank you, Michele. Your words are a blessing.
Karen, I love your comment that your “dear gardener has gone on to his next assignment.” And I’ll bet there are loads of roses there – without thorns! Love you.
I love thinking that Charles might be tending heavenly roses with his dad, who had a garden filled with these beautiful flowers. Thanks, Carol.
You painted a beautiful picture of your garden. So inviting I imagined having a cup of tea with you. Just as vibrant the colors of you garden is the sweet smile on your face. You are counting your blessings and it is refreshing!
Joan, thanks for your lovely comment. I really enjoyed connecting with you and Mark on Sunday at MH and so happy we’ll be companions on the Danube cruise next spring.
Loved this post, Karen, and all the lovely comments that followed. You remain in my prayers as you travel this new journey.
When I moved back to Quincy 12 years ago, I “inherited” numerous garden beds as part of the landscaping of my home. The upkeep requires a lot of time-consuming work, especially for this non-gardener, but I’ve grown to appreciate all aspects of gardening. It’s a bit more challenging this year in drought conditions, but I’ve appreciated every raindrop the Lord provided this spring.
I’m thrilled to learn you have a Danube cruise in your future–enjoy! And consider yourself hugged!
Thank you, Judy. You are a faithful, praying friend and I really appreciate you. I did a little gardening today and enjoyed it. So maybe I will cultivate a bit of talent after all, just as you did.
I read your comment just after finishing some more weeding, Karen; I’ve had two sessions of that today in between working on an editing project. I need to clarify that I never said I was talented at this gardening business, but I have managed to keep my yards from becoming jungles. 🙂
My home was built in 1938, so I have lots of mature landscaping to keep under control. Today I’ve been enjoying watching a robin’s many trips to her nest to feed her babies I’m still waiting to see. Then a quail walked through my back yard area with four babies trailing behind–so adorable!
I took your comment to mean that you learned gardening by doing it. I’m attempting the same. Love your description of the birds. So adorable is right. We have many birds in my community too. The word ‘pajaro’ I am told means ‘bird’ in Spanish. Our area is referred to as Pajaro Valley so you can imagine we have quite a collection of feathered friends. By the way, your house is the same age as I am, so yes, I can imagine it needs a bit of tending–as I do at 77! 🙂
Yes, that is what I meant about gardening, but I’m pretty clueless! Loved learning about pajaro and your valley. We’re blessed to have a beautiful variety of birds here in the Sierra Nevada.
You made me chuckle with your last comment. Goodness, Karen, you look wonderful! Blessings!
Thanks for the extra comments, Judy. It’s always good to chat with you.
Karen,
Thank you for your beautiful blog. I can just picture you in your garden tenderly caring for your plants. How wonderful that your flowers are blooming. May the Lord continue to be the air under your wings Karen. You inspire me. I am praying for you and your family.
Thank you, Sandy. You are very generous with your prayers.
I enjoyed reading your writing concerning keeping it simple, Karen. I, too, am having to take on all the home projects. I feel like a new calf, finding my way around Bob’s tools and the yard. It is a new experience and I feel challenged in a positive way.
I understand, Mary. It’s a new experience for each of us but we’ll learn. I like your positive attitude.