Do you remember the excitement you felt as a child when school was out and summer began? Or were you one of the children who experienced insecurity as school was your safe place where you would receive at least one nutritious meal a day? Even if you had to go to summer school, August brought a time away from school for a few weeks.
As adults, many of us see August as just another month of the year, indistinguishable from the rest. However, if you are a gardener, August brings the bounty of our labors earlier in the year. Tomatoes ripen, squash suddenly grows huge, strawberries become little bursts of sweetness and cucumbers become ready to harvest. The variety of fruits and vegetables which are available, locally grown, in the farmers’ markets and grocery stores doubles and we see the abundance of God’s creation all around us.
There are so many beloved Bible stories about harvesting, growing, planting and weeding which bring comfort to us when we hear them again. Gardening is a refuge for me when I can reflect quietly while accomplishing something. This activity brings me closer to God as I am reminded continuously of His amazing creation. Having my hands in the earth pulling weeds is strangely satisfying. God gives us opportunities every day to experience His incredible creation and love; it is up to us to notice them, hold onto them and remember them when we face difficulties.
Many people find spiritual renewal through nature. I hope that you are able to find time to experience God’s peace during this month. I also hope that you can rekindle the excitement that August brings through restful activities, fun, and time spent with family and/or friends.
~ Vivienne Paratore, Sr. Warden