We are an unlikely educational institution. The only bell that rings sounds oddly like an alarm clock. We aren’t many in number- the teacher, the student, a tutor, one main cheerleader and his backup… We study mainly spring thru fall and take a break in the winter. We don’t break the year up in quarters or 6 weeks- we just study as needed. Then we analyze and grade even when the school is no longer in session. We’re not a primary or a secondary school and definitely not a university.. I’ve been studying here more or less my entire life and the world of learning stretches endlessly before me.

I am the student. My mom is the tutor. Ben is the cheerleader with my sisters cheering too as needed. And the teacher? My garden.

In a quiet way, my garden is teaching me a lot again this year- not just about what tomatoes and sweet potatoes are best. It’s teaching more important lessons than that:

1. Being out of balance shows: I mentioned previously that we moved some dirt in for this years garden and after many discussions between the tutor and the cheerleaders and any other random person I struck up a conversation with, I finally bagged up some dirt samples and took it up the local coop and figured out that the imported dirt was depleted in every way. So I fertilized and coaxed and fretted and prayed and watered and we’re harvesting! Not record amounts but enough to keep me busy and us well fed. Life Lesson: But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matt 6:33

2. Take care of things sooner rather than later. This one goes without saying- the bugs got my summer squash and zucchini because I didn’t dust them in time… I’ve got weeds that should be eliminated in their early adolescence instead of waiting until they’re as tall as me. I let my eggplant grow to big and rubbery before picking it. Life Lesson: “Don’t put off til tomorrow what you can do today” (favorite quote from the cheerleader when this student is scheming the exact opposite 🤪)

3. Each season has a beauty of its own: I love the change in seasons when it comes to vegetables- just as I’m about greenbeaned out, the eggplant and okra start producing and the delicious garden meals carry on. Life Lesson: look for the exciting discovery in todays selection rather than lamenting over last months old peas.

This garden skillet contained 7 different veggies fresh from the garden with melted cheese. I wish I could see a nutritional print-out of the vitamins it contained 🥰

4. It’s ok to set boundaries: Ben built a Trump sized wall around the garden, and it’s protected the border well except for the family of lettuce chomping groundhogs. But I had to laugh at the cantaloupe- it snuck through the fence gleefully and obviously the deer have been feasting well on it’s delicious leaves. Life Lesson: Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 2 Peter 3:17

5. Give freely. The garden exemplifies this well. Nothing makes my heart smile like going to the garden with my basket and no menu in mind and returning with a full basket and so many options for supper. My Pappy and my mom taught me this too. They never hesitated to head to the garden and send guests home with armloads of fresh produce. Life Lesson: Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38

6. Season of Drought should be expected not feared. This year has been exceptionally dry. We’re watering a bit along and praising God whenever a small shower pops across the mountain. We’re surviving and quite well. God is here too. Life Lesson: There are things learned in dry times that aren’t learned any other way: I knew you in the wilderness, in the land of drought. When they had pasture, they became satisfied; when they were satisfied, their hearts became proud, and as a result they forgot Me. Hosea 13:5-7

Yes, we are learning and eating like royalties in the process. My heart is full of gratitude. Thank you Jesus for these gifts.

Kendra

Bonus Pics:

Gideon turned one!! Little bear cub ate his cupcake quite well with lots of cheerleaders (more than just Uncle Ben 😂) So thankful for this little buddy 💙