I am a gardener. I love working outside, digging in the dirt and basically watching things grow. My grandmother and mother both shared this love and it passed on to me. Evidently, my granddaughters like the digging part. I get to spend more time with one than the other so I am doing everything I can to nurture this passion in her.
I think as grandparents we either shape our grandchildren or we do not. It is pretty simple. If it is important to you then you are going to do everything you can to make memories. If it isn’t than you do nothing.
This last week I decided it was time to start planting. I took the one I see the most and we headed outside. With seed packets, a digging tool, and lots of enthusiasm we began. It took more work on my part simply because I had to wait, explain, wait, explain, etc. We got everything buried and then it was time to move on.
I absolutely love bird baths. I have three, but would not be opposed to more if I could find some in good shape. I have them placed sporadically in my backyard in different flower beds so I can watch the birds. They have been dry most of the winter, but it was time to fill them up again. I unwound the water hose, found a stool for her, and gave her the hose right in front of the bird baths. She pointed the hose as best she could and in time each one was filled up. I let her tell me when to turn it off so some shared more water with the surrounding area than others, but she got the job done. She was dirty, a little wet and a lot happy by the time we were done.
Why is all this important? You see the water running off the bird baths blessed the seeds we had planted earlier. We really were doing two jobs at once, but we only focused on one at a time. Every time she comes over and fills the bird baths with water, she is inadvertently watering the seeds she helped plant. She is blessing the birds and the earth with her simple act of doing what she loves.
We often grieve ourselves, our families, and those around us simply because we do not do what we love and what others loved before us. It may seem like a little thing, but it may totally change the world around us. My mom is an amazing cook. She has shown us the simple yet profound pleasure of eating together or sharing food with those that are hurting. I cannot count how many times I have heard her say, “I am taking _______to ______.” You fill in the blanks. My mom taught Jeff and I and she is teaching her grandchildren the importance of the trickle effect. You love something and that love is shared. There is no telling how her shower of love has
I want to encourage you to look at what you love, get your tools together, do what needs to be done, and then nourish the seeds you plant. Just remember a garden starts out with a bunch of old dead seeds, but in time its abundance changes every family that receives its bounty. If you are a grandparent then share your love in person or in writing. The excuse that you never see them is just an excuse. You are responsible for your sharing not the receiving. I do not remember a time when Mom sat around to make sure someone ate her amazing gifts of love. She shares, and shares, and shares because she wants to.
I have a lot more planting to do this year. I know that if given the opportunity I will share this time with my granddaughter or both my granddaughters. Why? Because seeds of love are never dead for long, they always thrive if given enough time and water.