Back in June I wrote lightheartedly about my Garden of Obligation.
Micah built it for me several years ago because I was convinced I wanted to grow a few vegetables, only I learned through trial and error that I'm actually a terrible gardener.
That discouragement led to me not planting it at all last season.
This summer I decided to try a different approach...
-Embrace that I'm awful at it and I hate it.
-Throw a few seed packets in there anyway and just see what happens.
(My garden in mid-July...)
Doing it imperfectly is better than not doing it at all, because I've lately been enjoying a teeny tiny little harvest.
"I planted the seed... but God has been making it grow." 1 Corinthians 3:6
It started with lettuce.
How fun it was to pluck fresh, bright green leaves as needed for salads and sandwiches. Not to mention what a relief to be able to opt out of the store-bought lettuce scare from earlier this summer. (Remember that?!)
I don't know what happened to my row of snap peas. They shriveled up and died one day. But my one little cherry tomato plant came in like gangbusters! Why some things fail and others triumph in the same garden, after receiving the same care (or neglect, in my case - ha!) I do not know.
I feel there's a spiritual lesson hidden there somewhere.
About a week ago I decided to see how my sweet potatoes were coming along.
I dug up one happy looking, bright pink potato around 7:30 at night. I peeled and chopped it on the spot, cooking it in oil, butter, salt and pepper. I enjoyed a very delicious evening snack and realized that now was as good a time as any for my potato harvest.
The following evening I brought in this bounty...
It got dark too quick, so I only dug up about a third of the row. I'll go back for the rest one of these days.
We ate our sweet potatoes and cherry tomatoes with a salmon packet, topped with shredded parmesan cheese, for lunch yesterday. It was very filling and nutritious. I'm always interested in quick, good lunch ideas that don't disrupt our school day too much.
We are now 4 weeks into school and it's been going great. I've especially appreciated how cozy Nola has made her school days...
After her morning shower she lights a candle, turns on her fairy lights, and fills up her tumbler with fresh ice water.
Transitioning into this harvest season has seemed slow. (A hot and muggy summer will do that!) But we are finally starting to experience some cooler days.
I love the change in weather and lighting...
Soon it will be time to bring out the wool sweaters and enjoy this season of harvest.
🍂
~ Courtney
