Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Encouraged by the Cabin Faced West

I had been thinking about starting a vegetable garden, but I had numerous excuses not to try this year. Last year's garden was a flop. It was too late in the year to start. And it is just flat out hard work. Do I want more work?

And then I read to the kids from The Cabin Faced West,
"At this time of the year, he would say, every day of sunshine was gold in your pockets. He would also say, and was indeed, at this very moment saying, that sunshine shouldn't be wasted." p.32

I looked at my kids and I said, " We are going to have a vegetable garden."

I began planning the garden and found out that it was in fact not too late to start a garden. I researched what would grow in this area and bought the seeds.

Then I read
" It felt good to turn up the rich, brown earth and to work until her back and arms ached. Sometimes when she worked like this, Ann felt it was the strength from her own body that was making the vines so stout and healthy and turning the pumpkins golden." p. 73

That was the feeling I was longing for . I wanted to work hard and feel like my effort was making a difference.

That quote went through my mind several times as I was doing my daily routines or cooking supper. It was just the encouragement I needed. I realized that I don't have to have a garden or live like a pioneer to have that feeling. I could have it any time I gave my all to the task at hand.

So, this year we are growing beans, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers and bell peppers. I am praying that we will get some vegetables out of it, but even if we don't, I will enjoy the feeling of turning up the sandy soil and working until my back and arms ache.

6 comments:

Smith Schoolhouse said...

good for you Randi Sue!!! I always have a million excuses also to not start. I feel like I just don't even know WHERE to start to find out WHAT I need to know. WHEN? What? Where do I get the information? And HOW do you know WHO to trust??? I just don't know where to start! Maybe I'll start with the weeds in my landscaping! : )

I am very inspired though by the book you are reading! Is it a children's book?

Randi Sue said...

Yes, it is a children's book by Jean Fritz. It is very short and very easy to read. It is for 8-12 year olds.

I think God just used it to inspire me because I had been praying about finding joy in my daily tasks and the book just hit the spot.

crispy said...

Good for you. I hope it is a thriving success. And I am sure it will bring you the joy you seek in those daily tasks.

oneblessedmamma said...

We just finished that book about a month ago. The kids really enjoyed it. Funny, I too have really been thinking about a garden...but thinking is as far as I've gotten so far, LOL.

Kirsten said...

Oh Randi Sue!! You will love it. We are having a blast with ours, catepillars and all. Your kids will really enjoy it also.

5Gustos said...

How exciting! We read that book also, at your recommendation. The kids and I liked it. They kept listening, so I kept reading, and we read it in one day! I hope you get mountains of vegetables out of your efforts. Have any worm tea? My kids tend to eat more vegetables if they've been grown in our own garden. We're only doing tomatoes and blueberries this year. That's enough!