A story is told of a king who went to his garden one morning, only to find everything withered and dying. He asked the oak tree that stood near the gate what the trouble was. The oak said it was tired of life and determined to die because it was not tall and beautiful like the pine tree. The pine was troubled because it could not bear grapes like the grapevine. The grapevine was determined to throw its life away because it could not stand erect and produce fruit as large as peaches. The geranium was fretting because it was not tall and fragrant like the lilac. 

And so it went throughout the garden. Yet coming to a violet, the king found its face as bright and happy as ever and said, “Well, violet, I’m glad to find one brave little flower in the midst of this discouragement. You don’t seem to be the least disheartened.” The violet responded, “No, I’m not. I know I’m small, yet I thought if you wanted an oak or a pine or a peach tree or even a lilac, you would have planted one. Since I knew you wanted a violet, I’m determined to be the best little violet I can be.”

-LB Cowman

I absolutely love gardens. I love all the different colors and textures and smells. I love that you can walk the path and keep your shoes clean or you can dig in the dirt and get mud under your fingernails. I love that you can feel at home wearing a pretty dress for a party or baggy overalls while you get to work planting. Sunlight and shade, forced to embrace every season… It’s a buzzing blooming mess. If I pass by a garden, I have to stop and smell the roses.

Then I think about my life and all the laughter and tears and hugs. Parents that gave me the firm foundation of knowing that I am always loved simply because I am theirs. Friends that picked me to be a part of their family. Teachers who showed me how to solve problems or taught me me try (and sometimes fail) on my own. Coworkers that consulted, commiserated, and coached. Patients that let me take care of them… and some that spent their precious time and energy taking care of me.

There are so many people and jobs and talents that brought me to this place. Each role is so important… nobody else could do it. God has brought every person, family, community, or church into my life in the perfect order and timing. As I get ready to enter a new season, I look around me and I see a buzzing blooming mess of all the people I love… people who have loved me so well. I’m so grateful to be a part of this story with you. I’m so glad I get to take you with me. What a lovely garden I get to take with me everywhere I go.