The Garden of Life

I spent some time in the garden tonight.

It's always hard for me to get myself out there, but once I'm outside I can't ever come back in!  Tonight is a beautiful night:  gorgeous sunset, crisp spring air, birds chirping.  I planted some containers for the porch and the deck, which should really beautify those areas. Because of the moist ground from recent rain, I was able to dig up some deep-rooted weeds and prep it for the mulching I hope to do by Easter.  There's always work to do, but also something deeply satisfying about spending time in the garden.

I often think that gardening bears some resemblance to the spiritual life.  To me, the garden itself represents the soul, and the work we do in the garden is analogous to the work we do in our spiritual life.  I love that I can cultivate flowers in my garden, just as I can cultivate virtues in my soul.  I love that sometimes flowers I didn't plant (or forgot I planted) spring up to my delightful surprise, and I love discovering qualities about myself, planted by the Lord but previously hidden from me, appearing in my soul.  Tonight I dug up some stubborn weeds, after trying time and again in previous weeks without success.  This Lenten season I've been working on some stubborn weeds in my soul that I've been trying for quite some time to uproot, but previously without success.  I hope that the garden of my soul will be more beautiful for the work I've done this Lent.

A few years ago, I read the children's classic "The Secret Garden."  In this story, orphaned Mary arrives at her uncle's home in England as a bratty, miserable, unloved child.  By working in a secret garden that she discovers, she blossoms into a thoughtful, happy, lovable young girl.  She finds that she comes to life as her garden comes to life.

To me, gardening does just that.

Raison d'etre

I've considered writing a blog since I saw the movie Julie & Julia. From my early years in school I have been told that I write well, and I enjoy writing.  But many years have passed since I've been required to write for a grade (or any other real critique).  My writing skills have grown rusty, and I believe I have some untapped potential in that realm.  I've heard repeatedly from my colleagues that the best way to improve one's writing is to write, and write often.  A few writer friends have encouraged me to blog to improve my writing, and especially to "find my voice."  Wonderful, I thought.  (I love having a good reason to do what I want to do.)


But what to write about?  A friend suggested "adventures in Catholic education."  A good suggestion, because I have plenty of classroom tales to tell.  But at the same time I find myself a student of life, with many teachers:  the Church, my family and friends, mentors, my garden, books, my own students.  I wanted to write about these as well.  Then I remembered that the word "Catholic" means "universal."  Therefore, I won't have to limit myself to writing about my experiences as a Catholic educator.  I can - and will! - include lessons I learn as I travel the educative path of life.


Finally, a geographical move prompted me to get started.  Some expressed an interest in keeping up with me in my new place.  A blog seemed like a great way to meet several needs all at once:  honing my writing skills and my writing voice while keeping family and friends informed about my new adventures.  While I can't promise daily updates, especially as I transition and get adjusted to my new surroundings, I do hope to post often.  I invite you to comment, as I would love to hear from you, too!