One of the habits that I inherited from my father is the wisdom of keeping a garden.
Although my garden is tiny compared to average and super-teeny-weeny compared to the one kept by my parents, it still provides something for me that is hard to describe.
Sure, it is wonderful to taste the "fruit of my labor" with fresh tomatoes, basil and other culinary delights. But there is more to the experience than can be tasted in the mouth when it is eaten. (BTW: The pic on the right is actually the first little grape tomatoes formed in my garden on 4/18/09) The weather around The Woodlands TX is warm really early in the year.
I actually can hear my father's voice when I am in the garden. I hear all the lessons he taught about responsibility and his favorite saying, "a job worth doing is worth doing right." I have taken some liberties in my life in defining what is "right" and it comes quite short of perfection. Rest assured, I am confident that he understands this new definition of right and delights in my decision to be less than perfect.
According to many people, my standards are waaaay too tough. But they did not know my father. Compared to him, I am very loose with my ability to accept things with their faults. My real estate clients know my commitment to doing things right. Sometimes they actually tell me to relax and do less - or to give myself a little grace to be good enough. Although they really want me to be available each time they need me, they always respect my commitment to self-renewal with days off and the time I take off simply to play.
Today, as I wait to hear the papers are drawn for my out-of-state buyers who are building a new home, I knew that I had time to spend in my garden. I did not go to church. Instead I had my own spiritual experience in my garden and feel greatly blessed by that time.
I understand completely! I hope your garden gives you as much as enjoyment and satisfaction as mine gives me. 
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