SOUL FOOD

     It's almost spring now. The trees are already budding and it's warmer than it has been in a long while. My garden buddies, my husband and my 3 year old son, have joined me for our annual spring garden cleaning, hauling, composting, and basically reveling in the juicy potential of spring.
     At first I dread the labor of hauling the heavy loads of the compost, as well as all the planning and organizing that has to go into getting the garden going again. But this changes just as soon as I dig my hand into the soil. I squeeze a clod of it and watch it crumble like black gold, like the famous loam that Easterners brag about. Right then, I know that everything is just perfect. I know that all the labor and lack of left brainedness just isn't important.
     I look up at the crisp blue sky and the greening foothills and gladness fills my heart. This is my soul food. I can rely upon it to soothe and make me sane. It's certainly worth more than any therapy session would be.
     From the very beginning--the clean up, the soil amending, the planting of seeds, the watering, and the waiting until the first seed leaves pop up through the soil--all this is a process that can guide each of us through our own growth of spirit and soul. This labor of love can help each of us to see how hard work, creative visualization, and, most of all, patience, can bear nourishing fruit, the enjoyment of our labor.
     This day, this glorious moment, has given me a lease of hope that I know will last me at least through the growing season this year. This hope gives me a sanctuary where I can be in nature and with God.
     What could be more beautiful than this? I'll be joining all those others out in nature, whether they are themselves gardening or are out hiking or walking their dog, all of us communing with Mother Nature, taking part in the whole of things, putting aside for awhile the business of our hectic schedules. Come out and join us, step outside, look out for the first Crocuses and Johnny Jump Ups, all pushing their way up so they can share their gladness for us to see.

© 2003, Aspen Marks