Sunday thoughts from the Garden
Sunday’s for me are a day of reflection, rest, and inherently restoration. I’ve always loved this day of the week as long as I can remember. From early childhood, it was the only day of the week the family was together for the entire day, and no one had to do chores. Those were all reserved for Saturdays.
My dad rose early and I can still hear his voice as he stuck his head through the door attempting to rouse my sister and I, “Time to rise and shine, girls.” While my mind only recalls times when we would groan and pull the covers up, I like to think there was a time when we sat up excitedly, ready to greet the day.
The hardest part of Sunday’s was getting out of the door for church, but once we arrived all was well. A lunch out after church, meant no cooking for mom or dishes for my me and my sister. And it almost ALWAYS included a Sunday afternoon drive per my dad’s orders. And we knew, a Dairy Queen ice cream cone dipped in that magical chocolate shell was in store along with the nostalgic entertainment of a 60’s era radio show. Then back to church for out evening activities.
Good family time, good food, good entertainment, good friends are all the things that made these days great.
Swiss Chard growing in the garden showing the growth pattern of the ribs on the underside of the leaves.
Sundays look a little different for me now, but also much the same. It’s a day of rest, reflection, and restoration. No matter how long my weekend to-do list still remains at the end of a Saturday, I just can’t bring myself to get much work done. I rise anticipating the morning with friends at church and always follow it with a good meal. While Sunday drives and Dairy Queen aren’t in the regular routine, I find myself in the garden most Sunday afternoons. Not pruning or planting or harvesting but just looking. Reflecting on the work that was put in and the resulting growth and productivity of the plants.
Over the last couple of weeks the idea of legacy has been on my mind. I saw something this last week that said after death, it only takes two to three generations before people are forgotten; their names no longer mentioned. My dad passed away a couple of years ago, and I am still in the place of remembering him often. Working out how he impacted me and what I am carrying with me into the future - his legacy.
My idea of Sunday’s isn’t shaped by the “Sunday Fun-day” mentality of our current culture. But the values instilled in me from a very early age by my parents. Values that were instilled in them, by their parents. My dad left no fancy name on a building or trust fund for his children or grandchildren. But he left something greater - a call to action. Prioritize your faith and family, find a space for rest, and enjoy the sweetness of a good ice cream cone and fun music on occasion. Legacy isn’t what you leave behind, it’s what you set in motion.