WESTSIDE — An added value to working in my flower garden is the abundance of time it gives me to ponder things while still accomplishing the task at hand.

My recent gardening efforts have resulted in some improvement in the landscaping around my yard, and I believe other benefits have also come about as a result of the long stretches of uninterrupted time to contemplate. I thoroughly enjoy contributing myhand to God’s business of growing pretty flowers and have recognized opportunities along the way to learn spiritual lessons and other things that relate to life in general.

This is something I didn’t expect when I started this hobby a dozen years ago. At that point I thought I was simply planting green things in order to landscape the front of my newly constructed home. It was only later that I realized that myflower bed would be a place for spiritual growth as well. Although there have been successes over the years, the results are still often “hit and miss,” sometimes due to my resistance to doing things “by the book.” I want to trim anytime the mood strikes, transplant at the wrong time of the year, put full-sun-loving plants in shady areas and other things I know better than to do. I think this stubbornness to do it “my way” is referred to in the Bible as being “stiffnecked” or “obstinate.” Probably something I need to work on outside the garden as well.

And just as in life, there have been gardening setbacks along the way. Last summer, for instance, was a toughone for my flower bed due to prolonged hot weather, very little rain, a new puppy that couldn’t learn his boundaries and dwindling motivation on my part after weeks and weeks of battling all of the above. Although disheartened for a while, I know there is hope that this year will be better. I have already added many new plants to take the places of those that didn’t survive and things are looking promising. I am grateful that God offers “start over” seasons, too.

Sometimes I have found that growing healthy plants is stifled by my tendency to over cultivate. Young plants should only be coddled for so long before being exposed to elements thatforce them to toughen up. They need a chance to “harden” so their stems get strong and their roots grow deep. If I water too often and protect them too long from the wind and cool weather, I am doing a disservice to their development. Knowing exactly how much is too much isn’t always easy. Sort of the same way it is with raising kids.

Even when I do everything right, some plants in my garden still fail to thrive. My mother-in-law, Emma (AKA my “gardening angel”), has always encouraged me not to worry about the time and money invested when a plant is lost.

“Some people play the slot machines,” she will say, “but we buy flowers.”

You win some, you lose some. Move on and don’t worry about it is the lesson here.

I don’t know what other people get out of working in their own gardens, but I’m sure God lives in mine. His handiwork and creativity are evident in the beauty of every flower and in the detail in every leaf. I admire His creation and do my tiny part to help. While I am planting, pulling weeds, and cultivating, it seems that God is doing the same in me.

Annette Rowe is a freelance writer from rural Gentry and a speech-language pathologist at Siloam Springs High School. She may be reached by email at awalkinthepark50 @ yahoo.com.

Opinion, Pages 6 on 04/27/2011