Peace in the Garden-MG

This morning, for the first time since the terrorist attacks, I went outside and tended to my garden. I did it out of a sense of responsibility, and nothing else. You see, like most, I have been glued to the TV for the past week, watching footage of the World Trade Center and Pentagon smolder as news anchors, their guests and callers comment on their reaction. My garden went unnoticed.

During this time of tragedy, my garden seemed small and unworthy of my time. The rain came over the weekend. That would have to suffice for these days. When I returned this morning, however, I began to feel a feeling I haven't felt since 9:00 a.m. September 11, peace.

Like many Americans, for the past few days, I have felt hopeless, angry, disturbed. I began to think of ways that I could help. I was not alone. I read and watched varied reports of people sending money, care packages, giving blood, writing letters, even sending teddy bears. People held prayer services, lit candles and bought flags. Some called talk radio and attended town meeting-like TV shows to voice their feelings and views.

Many of us in the Midwest did what we could, gave blood and money to the Red Cross. However, watching rescue workers in NYC work themselves to exhaustion, made me feel of little value.

TV psychologists said the best way to feel normal again was to get back in to the normal routine. So today I did. I walked the dog, then began watering the garden. I weeded and trimmed things that so quickly got out of hand. It didn't take long for the feeling of peace to reenter my troubled mind. I suppose that's why I garden in the first place. I just forgot that the peace was there for the taking right in my own back yard. Soon afterward, I began thinking that finding peace in ourselves is the most powerful way we can respond to such a tragedy. I found it through the small miracles that I tend on a regular basis. I urge you to plant something in response to your grief.

One idea that many churches and organizations are considering is planting a "Peace Garden". There are many ways, even this time of the year, to achieve this. Yesterday, I helped the children of Columbia Elementary School plant Iris rhizomes. The purpose of the planting was to promote the Iris as the Joplin City Flower. However, when these flowers bloom in the spring they may represent, in a beautiful way, the rebirth of nature after a time of loss. Bulbs are a wonderful statement of rebirth and renewal and are especially appropriate now. The involvement of children in this process is also a very opportune way to make a statement of peace.

If you would rather have an immediate showing of peace and beauty, don't forget Mums and Pansies will be very vibrant in the coming weeks. If you feel compelled to be patriotic, flagpoles would make a worthy centerpiece for your peace garden. There are also many varieties of flowers that come in red, white and blue.

I urge you to use this time to remember and reflect. In the very least plant something and embrace the peace it brings you.


		University of Missouri Extension Jasper County jasperco@missouri.edu Web site maintained by: Virginia Bryan bryanv@missouri.edu Last updated: 09/02/2009