Time For Growth

Once upon a time there was a Master Gardener. People would come from all around to admire his gardens and get tips on how to cultivate their own flower beds and vegetable patches. He was quick to tell them that gardening wasn’t for the haphazard or faint of heart, but that it would take knowledge and patience and determination. There would have to be a commitment of time and a great deal of work in order to grow prize winning roses or hardy mums. Vegetables that others would envy, would require dedication.

The Gardener loved to take them to his shed and show the visitors the tools that were needed to get the soil ready for planting, the fertilizer that would bring the most beautiful foliage and the best compounds to ward off pest that would threaten healthy growth. He would explain the investment of time that must occur in order for any of these tools to be beneficial. Simply having a lovely shed full of spades and pruning shears, plant food and pestisides would not create success. There must be a commitment to using these tools faithfully and properly.

Then the Gardener would take them to into the Garden and allow them to feast their eyes on the fruits of his labors. They would admire the rich, dark soil, the straight rows and the healthy foliage of the plants. The array of colors was so brilliant that it stirred the souls of those who observed in silent awe.

Often the Gardener would listen to the conversations as the visitors walked around his yard. Some would share a determined spirit to learn all they could in order to enjoy this beauty at home. Others would begin making a list of all the supplies they would need and the websites they would visit and the books they would read to develop their skills. Some would argue that it couldn’t be done in their soil, while their partner would try to convince them that they could make the soul rich with proper care. But, by far, the comment he enjoyed the most was when they would consider the amount of time it would take to create such a magnificent masterpiece.

The Master Gardner, with a nod of his head, would always respond with affirmation. “Yes, time is the most critical investment in growing things. Growing tomatoes, dahlias, pumpkins and roses requires knowledge and tools, but most of all, success comes when you take the time to cultivate, to nurture, to plant good seeds, to pull the weeds that threaten their life. Tossing seeds in the ground and expecting a good harvest is like sending your child to school and expecting them to come home as responsible adults at the end of the day. Unless you are willing to spend the time learning, nurturing, and paying careful attention; unless you cultivate an environment that is conducive to growth; unless you take the time to find the weeds and remove them, you will be dismayed with the outcome.” And with a sparkle in his eye and a wave of his hand he would bid them good day with a final word of advice. “Take the time to do what matters most. Growing a lovely garden is good, but growing lovely children is critical to our species.”

The old Gardner speaks truth. Parenting is a 24/7 job. It isn’t convenient. It can be messy and it takes time. Lots and lots of time. But nothing you can do with your time is more precious.