"Do you hear the bicycle's bell? It's Natalie, she will ride through the park and come to the garden." All week I prayed Natalie would appear, as if a single face would help me make sense of the poverty and need found in the brokenness of the world. Years ago I had come to this community with the youth of our church but I could not process the overwhelming stories, the raw pain and sadness I encountered, so I worked in the community garden. I weeded as if pulling crab grass could change lives; it felt hopeless and useless, but we created space for beauty to take root.
As I stepped into the community park this year I was surprised to find the Seeds of Strength Neighborhood Garden well cared for and growing, yet there were still a few empty planting boxes. We worked on the big picture, installing a gutter for the rain barrel and creating a compost bin, but I waited for the small miracle, the face of a little child. She arrived on Thursday afternoon, ringing her bike bell, as if to let the world know she was on her way. She broke open the hearts of the girls on my garden team and she solidified the purpose in my heart, to sow love, to work at bringing beauty, to never give up hope.
A girl's dream, a garden of her own, replete with the touches that childhood brings: painted rocks and blooming flowers, restored my dream as well. Pouring love and energy into the world around us creates beauty and joy. I am merely a shadow in the picture of Natalie's garden and life, but we have touched her with our love and she has changed us. We hope, we work, we pray, we love, all in the Name of the One who brings joy and transformation to a hurting world, to a single life.
Who and how are you loving today?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap generously... you will be made rich in every way so that on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."
2 Corinthians 9:6,11
No comments:
Post a Comment