I love flowering plants and trees. Unfortunately, I live in a second-floor city apartment with a small back porch. But every spring I shop for plants. And I fill planters and pots.
Sometimes, I wonder why I spend my (limited) time, money, and energy on this. Why do I work so hard to do something that almost no one can see or appreciate and that lasts for just a few months?
There is no practical reason for this activity. Given the amount of sun and the small space, I don’t grow anything I can eat. But I love to see plants grow. There is something about the beauty of green things–the leaves, the flowers, the vines and stems, the smell of dirt–that gives me hope and joy.
I feel closer to God when I am in the presence of trees and leaves, flowers, dirt, and rain. I feel relaxed, connected, and refreshed.
Do you have a garden? Do you enjoy plants and trees? What gives you joy, connects you to God, and helps you stay centered?
This message is excerpted from “The happiness of plants” by Kate Sprutta Elliott from the June 9, 2014, blog of the Women of the ELCA.
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