Down to Earth

Is there an area in your life that you would like to transform so it more accurately reflects your true identity and purpose?

Recently for me, it was my front yard.  You see: my front yard was a lawn – grass but unfortunately too many weeds as well. This demanded a lot of unsustainable attention: pulling weeds, weed killer, paying a gardener his cut, and of course the water bill. As an owner, I did not find joy in this front yard, which is designed to reflect the curb appeal of our home. So, we sat down as a family (my wife and 3 teenage kids) and I sketched my vision of a new front yard which would truly reflect the identity and purpose of our family in the community. Instead of a “lawn”, we would integrate three areas like a venn diagram: two functional areas (2 vegetable gardens and an ornamental garden) and a structural area (a decorative stone walking pathway). The costly irrigation system would be changed to an economical drip system. The family was hesitant because there was an obvious fear of change: an upfront investment of time and money, specific tasks/chores for the kids to initiate and maintain the new area. Nevertheless, they came to realize this was the right thing to do and with moral conviction, we pulled-up our sleeves and got to work. Eventually, our vision came to fruition and my whole family participates in the growing process. Outsiders continue to challenge and remind me that it is much “cheaper” to buy vegetables in the market. However, I enjoy planting seeds and watching them grow. Their growth reflects my growth as a person; isn’t that what life is all about?  

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