Sometimes when you find yourself in a Waiting Season you discover that you’re face to face with something new. For me this year, it’s been an introduction to the ancient liturgy of the hands-to-earth faith of sowing seeds.
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As I type this, Spring is taking her own sweet time arriving. In fact, it’s mid April and we just got hit with another blizzard that has shut down the interstate and taken out power lines and tree branches.
In this desperate waiting for Spring, I’ve found an unexpected passion in planting, tending, coaxing, and caring for seeds. This ritual of planting tiny, lifeless looking seeds into the dark of soil feels like a new sort of worship. Not in a “mother earth worship” way. But in an “old as time” way. The plunging of seeds into the dark of earth, believing new life will come from this burial. Waiting in hope for the evidence of faith. Sown in the dark and cold but – soon – risen in new, vibrant life.
Hidden inside the emerging sprouts, is a myriad of vibrantly hued flowers, textured leaves, and juicy fruits to come.
The oldest song in the world
In her book, Roots and Sky, Christie Purifoy states it so beautifully.
I am created from dirt. How right and good it is, then, to kneel in this garden temple and sing songs of praise. To see and name as Adam once named. A song of Brandwine tomatoes and French Breakfast radishes. Of mini bell peppers in orange and red and chocolate brown. Of cucumbers for pickling. I sing of Red Flame lettuce, peppery arugula, and dill seeds cast across one bed. This is the oldest song in the world. And it is new every spring.”
Maybe you’re in your own Waiting Season, whether it be for a new job, a baby, a move, or that longed-for home. There’s always something for which we’re waiting, isn’t there? It’s learning to wait well that’s so hard. Something in which I continuously struggle.
My hope is by sharing here I might encourage you in your own transition.
A Bit of Backstory
For as long as I can remember, Winter has always felt like it’s overstayed it’s welcome. After January, it feels like one looooong Waiting Season.
That’s probably normal for those of us living in states bordering the Canadian boundary line.
A couple years ago, I planted grass seeds in small vessels just because I *needed* to see something green and growing. That was before my recent foray into houseplants.
This year, Winter felt feels even longer and in February, I felt myself beginning to sink into that grey, dreary void where I was convinced we’d been hurtled into the never-ending winter of Narnia. I needed to do something. And a tropical vacation wasn’t an option.
Enter soil and seeds to the rescue. I came across CaliKim’s YouTube channel and for the first time ever, thought, “Maybe….just maybe…I could perhaps…possibly…perchance…actually grow some plants from seed myself!”
Even though my luck with plants up to this point had been sketchy, at best, I figured trying my hand at starting seeds would be cheaper than therapy – or mood altering drugs. :p Lol. Kiddingnotkidding.
And so it began.
It started out with an innocent tray of lettuce seeds under one small shop light.
Then it progressed to a pair of small shop lights. And a 4 foot grow light.
Which turned into 4 shop lights and two 4 foot grow lights.
Which has now blossomed into a full fledged 8×8′ greenhouse purchased off Facebook marketplace. My oldest son and I set it up on a concrete slab outside our back door in about 20 minutes, despite the chilly, muddy conditions.
Yes. I jumped into the deep end.
What is ” moderation”?
Sweet Mr. 1915 somehow knew I needed this and graciously agreed to my hope-filled purchase of a greenhouse. Definitely not a “needed” purchase.
Or was it.
The lift it’s given my spirits and the hope encompassed in the planting of such small, lifeless looking seeds – and then being filled with inexplicable joy at seeing those first tiny green sprouts, the color of new life, poking their brave heads above the soil…I can’t even put into words what it’s done for my heart. I’d venture to say it’s been exactly the thing I needed this year.
Mr. 1915 built this potting table and the shelves out of leftover shelving pieces and scrap lumber we had. This is when keeping random stuff comes in handy. (we’re obviously not true minimalists) 😉
Maybe I’ll end up learning some hard lessons about seeds, seedlings, and keeping plants alive. Maybe it won’t work out like I envision it will. Maybe my idea of growing enough plants to have a small local plant sale won’t work out like I hope.
But what if it does.
What if I discover that I DO have my Mom’s green thumb after all?
What if these teaching moments – with my little boys gathered around, each of us with a smattering of seeds in our palms, are part of Greater Lessons in faith, hope, and a belief in the fulfillment of something we can’t yet see. The promise of new life, hidden just beneath the surface, in the dark. In the waiting.
If you find yourself in a Waiting Season
Perhaps some of our best gifts are found only in, or after, a season of desperation. And yes, I realize this may mean something much heavier to you than the weight of a winter season that’s overstayed it’s welcome. I’ve experienced other, darker, weightier seasons, too. Whatever your Waiting Season holds, keep clinging to hope.
Perhaps the long grey days of your Waiting Season will force you to try a new venture. Something you never dreamt possible.
Keep your eyes wide open to the possibility of something you thought was out of reach. Something you never imagined you could do.
Maybe it’ll be as small as planting a seed. In hope. In faith.
Maybe it’ll be something bigger – finally going for That One Thing you’ve always wanted to do, but fear has held you back.
Sweet friend, nothing is ever wasted.
No dark place.
No silent season.
No pain.
No darkness.
No endless winters.
None of it is wasted.
God uses each season – the bright, happy ones and the dark, hard ones – for the good of those who Trust.
Go do that thing that makes your heart sing, that sparks hope in your spirit again. (Seeds and Greenhouse optional) 🙂
I’m cheering you on.
Now, come see what my girls, Kim and Lisa have been up to this week…
FAST FIX FRIDAY
EVERY(ISH) FRIDAY, MY GIRLS, THE PURPLE HYDRANGEA AND FARMHOUSE MADE, AND I GET TOGETHER AND BRING YOU A SUPER SIMPLE, FAST FIX TO SIMPLIFY AND BEAUTIFY YOUR HOME, YOUR SOUL, YOUR LIFE.
This week’s fix:
Lisa: Drop Cloth Ottoman Slipcover
Kim: Porch and Deck Planter Ideas
Beautifully written and I have a feeling the gardening project is going to be a huge success.🌿🌿🌿
Thank you, sweet friend! <3
I was glad to hear you were able to get all the plants in the house safely with that freak blizzard! This post really spoke to me, I think I have and still am in a dark season right now. But you are right….no season is ever wasted and there is a purpose for it all! Thank you for being inspiring 🙂
Susanne, thank you for taking a moment to share your thoughts. I believe we all go through dark seasons of one sort or another. Thankfully, no dark season is wasted. Whether we see the good come out of it quickly or whether it takes longer than we hoped before we see the good, I believe it’s there – keep looking for it and never give up. Hugs to you!