May 8, 2009
The Second Half
Gifts from the garden
BY DEACON JIM AND ANN CAVERA
Things had gotten out of hand in our yard. Most of the plants had been planted by the woman who owned the house before us. She knew the names of all the stuff growing in the perennial flower beds. We knew some of them as herbs and others as assorted weeds, but we couldn’t tell one from the other. Since we hadn’t planted any of it, we found it difficult to feel a sense of connection with most of it. Still, all of it came back every year, growing stronger and wilder until we knew something had to be done.
Someone gave us the name of an excellent yard man and within a few hours he cleaned out the beds. With the addition of a load of dirt and mulch, we’ll start fresh with our own plants. Should we try a few roses or dahlias beneath the kitchen window? The possibilities are endless and at our age this qualifies as a full-blown adventure. The thing that seems to make the difference in gardening is the vital sense of connection between gardener and plant.
Anyone who has taken the time to become a gardener has had a glimpse of God’s heart. In fact, anyone who becomes a serious gardener is likely to come away with a good crop of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. According to the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults, the gift of wisdom “enables us to see the world from God’s viewpoint.” Trying to keep weeds from crowding out flowers certainly gives us a first-hand look at the struggle between opposing forces. The gift of understanding “stimulates us to work on knowing ourselves as part of our growth in knowing God.” What we choose to plant in our garden can say a good deal about what we allow to grow in our lives. Do we choose plants that take little effort, or do we take pride in growing something that requires care? In a 1993 article in “Horticulture” magazine, Sydney Eddison wrote, “Gardens are a form of autobiography.”
Knowledge directs us to a thoughtful reflection of the mystery of God. Wielding a hoe, moving stones, preparing paths, protecting weaker plants develops a fortitude that can never be acquired by watching TV or playing video games. The gift of counsel is the “quiet teaching the Spirit gives us about our moral lives and training of our conscience.” Protecting the weakest plants until they take root and doing what needs to be done even when we don’t feel like doing it are lessons that serve us well in other areas of life.
Piety is an act of reverence for the God who created us. Day by day attendance to the unfolding of life becomes an act of worship for the creator of life. “Fear of the Lord,” which is wonder in the presence of God sinks deep in the soul of a gardener. When we think about gifts for First Communion, Confirmation and graduation, maybe we should give priority to a rake, hoe, shovel and some seeds.
Deacon Jim and Ann Cavera are former residents of Evansville; their award-winning column is a regular feature of the Message. Contact them at www.catholicseniorspirit.com.