... how many days can I go without thinking about the gardens... I'm afraid it's not many, although I really haven't had time to think about the gardens for the past few days. It's almost like I've been away from an old friend for ages. In the winter I really enjoy delving into my photo libraries to remind me of the joy of being a gardener and the tremendous pleasure every bloom, shrub, and tree bring to my life.
The older I get, the more intense my appreciation of the natural world becomes. It's no longer only the big picture... the little things mean more with each passing year... in the garden it may be a tiny bloom of Lewisia... in life it might be a comment of a little child that puts everything in perspective.
I find myself pondering the purity of a white bloom in the garden and the purity of motivation in one's daily life. As we age, most have us come to realize that the things we do purely out of love for our fellow man are the things that bring us the greatest joy.
I love the fact that my gardens, that bring me so much pleasure, can also bring joy to others. The special plant that I once had to have just to say I had it, nows becomes a part of a landscape that is important to share with anyone who finds joy in visiting Oak Lawn Cheese Factory.
Sharing a bit of plant knowledge or a division with friend or stranger becomes a motivation for having that plant in the garden. Encouraging and mentoring others and sharing the joy of gardening becomes an end in itself.
What goes around comes around... eventually we may come to realize that we are all part of some marvelous plan. The friends that we make and come to care for deeply become the very people who share in our burdens and support us when things become difficult in our lives.
I wrote recently about a difficult couple of weeks I was facing during this Christmas season. In addition to hours of musical and worship leading committments, I was dealing with a procedure for removing a kidney stone and a possible new pacemaker/defibrillator surgery this coming week.
Some of you who follow my blog, let me know that you were praying for my situation, along with so many other friends and fellow gardeners.
I can this day attest to the power of prayer... I was amazed (and thrilled) when I arrived at day surgery, that the doctor felt he didn't need to use the invasive technique I'd experienced in the past to deal with the kidney stone problem. Despite being under general anesthesia, I felt great within a few hours of the procedure. The next day I was informed that some of my ventricular tachycardia was in fact eminating from the upper chambers of my heart, a much less concerning situation. I received the results of my heart tests and learned that to everyone's surprise, my heart function had improved 12% from a year and a half ago and for now I would not need a new machine in my chest.
So here I am... three concerts and one of four services completed and my personal prayer that I be well enough to do my best totally answered. I am thankful that my musical efforts have helped bring joy to many, and yet the joy has all been mine... there's that amazing plan again. And in the later hours of the evening, I am back to thinking about the gardens and all the wonderful people I will get to meet as they come to enjoy the very gardens that bring me joy.
One of the family that I direct is an 18 year old girl with a voice blessed by God Himself who is preparing to go on her fourth mission trip to Haiti. During our concerts, she shared a powerpoint showing these beautiful children to whom she feels compelled to help as she is able. During the presentation, she sang this beautiful song as a duet with her six year old sister who is also blessed with an angelic voice. A portion of the text is as follows...
There is a child, whose wish for Christmas
Lies far beyond what she can see
And with the sunrise she runs to rainbow's end
Searching for her dreams...
She sits alone where none can reach her
Beside the tree with silver trim
And in the evening she wishes on a star
For another friend
Star of Bethlehem
I can see you shining bright
Star of Bethlehem
Guide me to the Child of Light
There is a child within a manger
Whose love can reach the smallest heart
From kings to shepherds
To everyone of us whose dreams are torn apart
And He was born for all the children
Who watch the snow and dream their dream
He is the Sunrise... He is the Child of Hope
The Star of Bethlehem
How often had I listened to these young ladies sing this song.... and with each time and passing chorus my heart was touched more deeply. The answer really is and has always been so simple... the Child of Bethlehem. In Him, my life as a husband, father, and grandfather... musician, artisan, and gardener is made complete. I, like so many, grew up a bit insecure... suffering with a measure of self doubt through many years of my life... these are feelings that can become chains in our lives... binding us from true happiness, coloring the decisions that we make, preventing us from accessing and sourcing true wisdom as we struggle through the years and always searching for confirmation of our value as human beings. I am thankful that eventually I came to understand that this didn't have to be the way I was to live my life... and the realization came through the Child of Bethlehem. I wish for each of you in this Christmas season, the same joy in your life as my wife and I know in our own... the greatest gift of all is there for the taking... the Child of Bethlehem
Merry Christmas, Larry
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