THE CONSTANT GARDENER

Sitting on the stairs, staring at the wet garden after a suddenly rainstorm which has almost destroyed the little flowers planted last month. Little flowers they call “Italian poksungha”, so weak at the appearance and yet able to bloom again as soon as the sun is back and this will go on until winter comes in. The garden there in front of me… how many years looking after it: trees to prune, weeds to uproot, grass to cut, flowers to plant and water. The different trees have a cycle of their own, each are different in shape and time of blooming and even with their fruits to collect and eat. A garden that can satisfy the eyes with colors and shade, the nose with perfumes in spring and fall season, the taste of its fruits… and yet it changes through the seasons; each season has its place in coming and going as well. A cycle of nature to be acknowledged and respected, simply because “there is a time for everything”.

The main gate to our little garden has stories to tell only to those who have ears to hear an time to seat and listen. How many persons have passed through in coming and going, being a desired guest waited for so long, or people who have just come for business, never mind the intention, all have crossed that gate which has changed the paint color few times. The garden has witnessed  my enthusiasm when cutting the grass and planting the flowers, I did imagine group of friends gathering for a barbecue and a cold beer under the trees’ shade. In that same garden I have walked alone with the desire to be in solitude or because there was a sense of being alone with no one to walk with, out of loneliness. To the garden you give attention and care season after season and yet you receive much more because it is a metaphor of ourselves, where body and spirit are claiming that attention and care. Everything at the proper time and with constant care..

These are some of the thoughts that crossed my mind like clouds in the open sky, carried by the summer breeze… the can of beer I was drinking is now empty, time to return “to be busy” and be carried by the usual activities.

A little reflection about gardening; where is the garden and who is the gardener? Do not make my same mistake of thinking that you were the one, I mean the gardener. I was rather trying to talk about me as a garden always in need of care throughout the seasons and of course of God as the constant gardener. Enjoy your season!                      

                                                                          Giovanni omi