What’s in Your Backyard?
You’re probably familiar with the TV ad for Capital One Financial, “What’s In Your Wallet?” Well I say, “What’s in Your Backyard?”
The words came to me a couple of weeks ago when my friend Kirby and I made the rounds on a Community Garden Tour. There were ten homes to visit. At each stop the owner/gardener would sign off on our guided map and then at the end we could turn it in to ‘headquarters’ and qualify for a door prize. By the way, we each won a prize. How about that? I received a live plant and Kirby received a toy for her kitties.
We both admitted afterwards that we not only enjoyed the lovely flower and plant displays, each one so different from the others, but we loved getting to know new people in our neighborhood. That was especially true when we visited their backyards.
I suddenly thought to myself how I too often make snap judgments about people based on what I see from the street–the color of their house, the front landscaping, the state of their garage if the door is open, and on and on. Little or no thought do I give to the people who live there or what might be going on in their lives.
But on this particular Saturday I received a large dose of much-needed humility as I reveled in their lovely plants and trees and flowers and lawn furniture and their generous offerings of home-grown tomatoes and lemons, as well as lemonade and cookies provided by one gardener’s twin grandsons.
I came home inspired and humbled and grateful for gardening tips but also for lessons learned about myself and others and a reminder to look into the backyard of people’s hearts and my own, as well.
Sounds like a lovely event, Karen. And thanks for your reminder to look at a person’s heart.
Thank you, Pam, for your supportive comment.
Sounds like a fun tour and a good lesson learned!
For sure, Heidi. We can always learn something new!
What a fun neighborhood event Karen, This shows how wonderful lessons can be learned if we are open and willing! You are such an amazing and observant living example for all of us. Thank you. Keep on enjoying the gift of each precious day and it’s offerings. Much Love always………..
Thanks, Kathleen. I know I am writing to a kindred spirit when it comes to enjoying each day and remaining observant to the lessons all around us.
What a lovely idea! The neighbors certainly were generous to offer the tour. I really LOVE the picture of the rose and the white tulip! At least I think it is a tulip. Both flowers are just awesome and just think God made all of them just for us!
Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful day you had.
Love and blessings, Margaret
Thanks, Margaret. I agree. The flowers God has made beautify our days no matter what is going on.
What a lovely reminder to all of us to look beyond the superficial to find that pearl that God has for us to find when we do!
Sending love and hugs from afar!
Thanks, Glenda. Sending hugs back to you.