Planting
We ran the risk of frost overnight. Even though climate change has advanced the Spring from what used to be early April to late February, the sudden shift to cold reminded me of how it was a longer while ago at this time of year — that it’s not quite time.
On Monday nights of late, I’ve been gathering with folks around a small fire in the back corner of some church property. Though we started weeks ago, perhaps last night is the first time the event bore the kind of fruit I’d been looking for when I planted the idea over the Winter. We heard some songs that reminded us of want. We shared stories of how we’re making it. One person shared how they’re trying to wake up in gratitude for the Sun every day in the twenty months since their spouse unexpectedly died. Another person, an avowed introvert, mentioned how much they appreciated the time to gather and connect. Another person shared the story of falling back in love to their high school sweetheart after a couple of decades, then getting married to that person and having a child with them.
Every one of us around the circle experienced seasons of our lives where it was not quite time. Where our wants became overwhelming. We planted anyway. That’s what planting is: working on fruit out of season. Wanting. Waiting. Planning. Anticipating.
With time, we recognize our part in the cycle of rebirth and resurrection.
We trust the seeds we plant of all sorts will sometime shoot forth from the earth: flowers, karma, good will, hope.
What are you planting now?