Donning my gloves and a big floppy hat, I ventured into my garden carrying a catmint plant. Butterflies fluttered among the flower blossoms in zigzagged patterns. Engrossed with their work, they appeared unconcerned with my hovering presence and sampled the catmint even as I planted it.
The butterflies’ diligence attracted bees. They canvassed my garden to see if the flowers contained enough nectar for them too. Apparently satisfied, they collaborated with the butterflies, working side by side. Watching them instilled a lovely sense of satisfaction, inspiring me to sit back and enjoy the pleasures my garden offered.
Strawberries warmed by the sun released a pleasing fragrance. A variety of herbs such as rosemary, basil and sage, flourished with edible offerings and combined their pungent scents with roses and lavender, creating an enjoyable potpourri.
Sunflowers and zinnias adorned the walkways, with thyme and lemon balm. Clay pots, filled with various types of mint and chocolate geranium were nestled among the flowers.
A mockingbird sang a repertoire of songs from a neighboring tree. It took several minutes to locate where he was through the maze of branches. Choosing the security of a top branch, he performed his serenade while watching the world evolve around him.
Each spring is the beginning of a new and wonderful season of growth. Tender sprouts surprise me with their appearance, as seeds take root in unexpected places.
Working in my garden reminds me of the immense value in nature’s lessons. There is strength to be found in its simplicity.
My garden is spiritual. It provides the perfect setting to reflect upon the things of God. His character is displayed through every leaf and bloom and when the setting sun casts shadows upon the pampered beds, His Presence draws near.
Perhaps God intended a colorful, fragrant reminder that life is too precious not to stop occasionally and enjoy the wonder of simple pleasures—to recognize the seasons of nature mirrored within our own lives as we journey through times of growth, times for harvesting the fruits of our labor and a time for rest and inner renewal.
As I watched the butterflies a realization came to me—it’s the later part of their life that brings forth their beauty. No longer are they earthbound, they stretch forth new wings and fly unfettered, leaving earthbound concerns behind. Oh what joy there must be in such liberty, to be free to flutter unrestrained through nature’s bounty. Butterflies have the ability to cause the cares of this world to momentarily fade away.