GRATITUDE

 

It seems impossible to me that one could experience growing something from a single seed and not come face to face with an overwhelming sense of gratitude when that seed turns into a bountiful overflow of goodness.  It is a magical experience to watch a plant's life cycle and then be nourished by that plant be it by actual consumption or a sensory experience.

 

Each time I sow a seed I feel hopeful.  As time has gone by and I've experienced my share of failures and success in growing food & flowers, I've become increasingly more grateful for every outcome. 

 

 The failures are really learning experiences which challenge me to do things differently, analyze the things observed and make adjustments.  I feel gratitude for the gained knowledge and growth.  I feel more committed to trying again and a desire to reach for success.

 

When I have a great harvest, I feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.  I'm thankful for my food in a way that I wasn't before gardening and I take nothing for granted.  I am in a constant state of awareness because of the connection that I now have with nature.  Even as I sit in my home office writing this post with the TV turned on, my dog prancing around with too long nails that are tap, tap, tapping on the hardwood floors, I can still hear birds chirping outside my window, I can still see the sunlight peering through my blinds and I am grateful.