The mustard is blooming in California's fields...
Long ago in my previous post on the last day of 2012, I shared bay leaves as a symbol of consistency, rosemary for remembrance and thyme associated with activity, thriftiness and energy, and since then all manner of work demands and other calls of duty have kept me busy.
The phrase that it is "more blessed to give than to receive" comes to mind, for although I gave those herbs to others with those hopes for them, I'm grateful to peek back at the last two months and see that I am myself remembering to pursue activities with renewed intention, remembering my first love, and reining in some of the seemingly insignificant and yet wasteful ways in which I wander.
Helping a senior member of the family downsize has helped my husband and me to be more energized about cleaning up our own paper trails and examining shelves and drawers for objects that we can toss, give away or sell now, at our seeming leisure.
Challenges faced by loved ones reminds us how important investing in one's health is...and if others face rehabilitation after injury, illness or surgeries, what can the same application of effort do to a basically healthy body that does not often enough fight against the forces of inertia?
This week we planted five trees up north at the house where we raised our family. Huge neighboring trees had smashed through the back garden and taken out most of the mature fruit trees. There are tenants in the house and it is a long drive for us get there, but we were able to mobilize, get trees, get ourselves there and dig those holes and situate new trees just in time for the rain to water them. It is already rewarding, whether or not we ever eat of the fruit is not really the question.
I am grateful for the reminders I have received to be consistent, to remember those who have gone before us and to remember those who will come after us. I am glad to be reminded to be active and to apply my energy in purposeful thrift with hope.
The storms of winter are not yet over, but it isn't too early to get ready for springtime, is it?
Jeannette
4 comments:
You got me...dealing with the same things in life at this point. My dad's health, broken arm and Parkinson's disease, trying to help them clean out their basement, slowly but surely (and reflecting on our own house and the stuff we unnecessarily keep, thinking we may need it), painting their bathroom...helping them get on with everyday life and challenges of eating and going to the bathroom, sleeping.....more often insomnia.
I look forward to seeing pictures of your peach, persimmon, cherry and almond trees in the future!
I am so intrigued by mustard fields and mostly am very curious how they smell. I am sorry about the hard things it sounds like you have been dealing with in helping your family member. I like the lessons you have taken from it though. Blessings to you.
Not too early at all! We all seem to be visiting each other on our blogs, looking for hint of spring from other parts of the nation or world. March is fickle. One day of wind and cold, one day of warm sun. It's all good. Thank you for your wise reminders about giving and thinking of others.
Lovely post! It's never too early to get ready for Spring! Thank goodness for that!
Emaline
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