The garden sent me a lesson the other day. It’s a lesson I’ve witnessed repeatedly in writing and gardening. But it’s a lesson I’ve yet to master. Everything happens when it’s meant to happen. The unfolding of life has its own rhythm. And as much as I’d like to think I’m in charge, I am not.
I’d seeded tomatoes and peppers and broccoli and basil. Sweet peas and eggplant and cilantro too. The broccoli popped up first, quickly followed by basil, tomato and sweet pea seedlings. The eggplant was slower, but it eventually germinated. The pepper and the cilantro seeds languished under the starting soil. I hovered and fretted and hovered some more.
Cocooned in their dark bed, the pepper and cilantro seeds paid no attention.
Meanwhile, the effects of the Covid-19 slowdown continued. I learned of more work cancellations and delays. I heard of more writer friends having their book releases postponed. Or having their books come out without the expected fanfare of a launch (if you’re a writer with a book releasing during the Time of Covid, email me and I’ll plug it on this blog).
Nothing was going according to plan, one friend wailed after she’d been hit with a particularly bad piece of cancellation news. Indeed.
In the big picture, she and I both know what matters is life and health and slaying the Covid dragon. We know it’s shallow to worry about book releases or cancelled tours when people are dying. We’re wearing our grown-up pants (yoga pants) these days. We have our priorities straight. But at the same time, we wish things were different. We wonder why things are the way they are. We worry that maybe if we’d made different choices or worked a little harder or taken a different route, things would be going according to plan. According to our plan.
But they aren’t.
Maybe they will eventually.
And maybe they won’t.
The peppers finally germinated. In spite of my very best hand-wringing, the cilantro never did.
Life has its own rhythm, my seedlings whispered. Maybe someday I’ll learn the lesson and won’t need the reminder.
Lovely article; I enjoyed it! And it is so true. Things will happen as they happen.
So true. Good luck with your garden. xo
I’ve noticed that my ‘hurry up’ mentality certainly doesn’t work for gardening. My hostas in large pots on the porch are starting to emerge. Normally, I would be purchasing red geraniums. However, that may not be happening. Lizards, slugs, snakes and frogs are revealing their presence. Swallows are nesting in their boxes. Outside everything seems very green. Lots of pollen in the air. Every day I make an effort to go outside and I’m filled with gratitude for remaining safe. Take care of your little seedlings and yourself.
You take care too, Jodie. Like you, I don’t think we’ll be purchasing as many flowers this year but I am enjoying watching the garden unfold naturally. And the wildlife here is spectacular!
Poignant!
Thanks for stopping by, Carol-anne!