Gardens and Growth.

I officially feel like we are turning a corner here in the east, as lawns have been mowed and work is being done in gardens and beds everywhere. It seems as if we pass through some sort of rite of passage after surviving a harsh "season".......

I can feel that way, wondering when life will let up a bit, after putting time, work and effort into the growth process. But there are several elements that work in combination with each other to produce a glorious "garden;" if the positive isn't in place, nothing good will grow.

In my neighborhood, the lawns are cut, flowerbeds trimmed, and yard work gives many a sense of accomplishment. I've learned finally to let it go...... I can only get done what I get done, and handle what I can handle. My lawn is the longest, LOL, and I can't sweat it. That is progress.

Hearing the younger boys say how much they love being home makes me feel good. It is all a miracle anyway, having held onto everything since the passing. At our house, Austin has been the most helpful, as his job and schedule are somewhat flexible week to week. We tackle things in bits and pieces rather than large chunks these days.

One son admitted to me how tough it is to work on the rentals we have because of the reminders of his dad it brings. That leaves me feeling helpless, knowing we have to step up, but also knowing the conflicting emotions it brings. I have had to learn to shut some of that off.......

In any growing relationship however, positive elements need to be introduced if it is going to nurture both parties. If not, we dry up and die. Option two is we hold on until there can be nourishment, enough given to revive a good relationship.

The long distance was very hard on my personal relationship and we did suffer a bit.......... quite a bit.

With the busyness of life, we often feel with relationships that it's time to let go, and it is done very poorly. This creates bad blood, offenses grow, and grudges are nourished rather than growth between two.

It takes time to grow a good garden.......... and knowing the potential bounty - priceless.

Frozen.

It was Logan and me, working together again, LOl. While we're shoveling, the other kids are shipping stuff, and trading pics of snow versus sand. It was an adventure to get out for gas to run the snowblower, which Logan handled well.

We moved me into my master bedroom and bath today, which gave me a bit of anxiety....... going back into a room I desperately want to renovate, mostly due to memories. Acclimating and assessing needs takes time we do not have because we have to adapt quickly, as is life for many.

It seems we will need two beds as soon as possible, or else someone's going to be sleeping on the floor again and it won't be Logan this time! We made headway in the attic, clearing a path, and seeing mostly items of sentiment up there:) It's nice to be back home.

My kids may each want to pursue their own possibilities which has happened over a period of time, but for now, they know they need to return. Their mother cannot keep up this current schedule and responsibilities on my own. I never have "down time", as I learn to deal with so many demands.

This lifestyle does not make room for a lot of "lovin" which causes a lack of patience by others:/ I am taking the path of David, the psalmist and King, who spoke to his own soul; the seat of his emotions. Much like he did, I must build myself up daily, when the onslaught of "how's" or "why's" come into question.

I had no idea how the two of us were going to get our driveway taken care of, but together we did it. It took a spirit of adventure to do so, but we risked it. David, who was just a young shepherd, had the calling to kingship and made sure to keep his soul aligned with his purpose. 
The uncertainties can't always be my problem; I just have to cooperate with a God who can make things happen........ and in a hurry.

Keeping it real in snow covered southeastern PA.