Enjoy the garden of life

"Would it be worthwhile to go through the botanical gardens?" I wondered, "or had the frost gotten the best of the blooms?"

But I had some time before my next event so I took a chance and wandered in. There were paths winding through foliage of many varieties...from formal trimmed hedges to lush meadow grasses, and persistent perennials. Brightly colored blooms still peeked out between sculptures, lights, bridges, and stone walls.

The quiet beauty of the morning was interspersed with laughter from a group of grade school kids on a field trip as I meandered my way through, enjoying the sun on my back. It sparked joy as I strolled past ponds, arbors, and sunken gardens.

I entered the tower garden where the flowing waterfalls and bubbling fountains caught my attention. It was peaceful to my soul to be in this place. I was thanking God for all the beauty and the ambience.

In the herb garden there were workers spreading mulch. The earthy smells reminded me how I enjoy a garden well cared for. I picked a sprig of lavender and put it to my tongue. I touched and smelled the chocolate mint, then a plant that smelled like peanut butter, and finally the sage, each fragrance crisp and familiar in the cool morning air. 

Suddenly, joy surged within me and tears filled my eyes. All my senses were awakened -- the chilly air yet warm sun, the bubbling waters, the glistening pools, brightly colored blooms, and now the zesty and aromatic herbs! "God, you are so good to me!" 

I sensed that He was near and happy I was delighting in these gardens. This was not a mistake at all... It was not random that I ended up here. It felt like a divine appointment to take the time to enjoy the beauty God is still creating every day!

It reminded me that He is faithful to guide us where He wants us to go. Long ago, He walked with His people in the garden -- and I now had a strong sense I was on holy ground as He was present with me in this one.

My eye caught the bench in the picture above. The tools resting on it signified a work in progress. Old plant life had been trimmed, uprooted and cleaned away to preserve the beauty and prepare for the next season. It gave me peace as I thought of God pruning and preparing me for whatever season would be next in my life. 

He is here, He is with me, and He has a beautiful plan... My part is to abide in Him, to trust Him, and to fully engage as I watch it unfold.

Thank God for everything

Our dad went to be with the Lord early morning on April 13. Here is an excerpt from the eulogy I gave at his celebration of life:

We kids have had a lot to learn about dementia. Over the last five years, we watched it take away Dad’s abilities, one at a time – like losing a small piece of who he was with each progressive stage.

There were good days and sad days, and a long season of Covid, when I didn’t get to set foot in his room for an entire year. Visits happened by speaking on a phone through closed doors and windows.

Eventually things opened and felt somewhat normal again. But then there were falls and more falls, and when a scan revealed a brain tumor last June, we signed him on to hospice for extra attention and care.

Throughout all the hard things, Dad kept a positive attitude and relied on his strong faith. He was always thanking those who helped him and telling us we had a lot to be thankful for – “Thank God for everything.” He frequently was seen making the sign of the cross and would often tell me and many of the caregivers, “You’re a good person.”

In January, we moved Dad to a smaller, 8-bed facility in a home-like setting, where he could get more consistent and focused care. This was the perfect decision as the health issues were increasing, he began sleeping more, and we sensed his time with us was winding down. I’m so thankful, even with his dementia, he always knew me.

I often wondered why God would allow such a cruel disease to steal away Dad’s livelihood, a little at a time. I’ve had lots of time to wonder about it, and just as it takes time for rivers to carve canyons from rock, wisdom takes time and pondering.

Obviously, life is not about strength, or power, or intelligence, or accomplishments. We can enjoy all these things in their season. But the best thing to be remembered by… is love. Love kept Dad persevering, staying patient, sacrificing for others, giving freely and generously.

When we give our love, God gives us more, in an abundance that never runs dry. In this slow, rock-carving way, God refines us to bring out the true hidden treasures in life, and in ways we might not expect. That’s why we can still trust Him – trust God in everything.

Dad never complained when he slowly lost out on so many of the things he loved to do. He got to a place of being fully dependent on others. Yet, his faith and trust in God was strong, and he still had loads of love to give.

His mind was confused, his eyesight failed, his body grew weak, but he continued to think about others and appreciate them: “You’re a good person. Thank you for helping me. Thank you for visiting. We have a lot to thank God for.”

So, that’s how we can all carry on his legacy. Never stop loving, forgiving, or giving. Always give thanks and be watching for God’s hand at work, no matter your situation. Remain hopeful. Always persevere. Be patient… Love with all you’ve got…always, love with all you’ve got.

In his last days, I saw how he had given this world everything he had left to give. He was withering away before our eyes. He had used up all his body – spent all his humanly resources – gave it all. As he might say, his body “didn’t owe him anything.”

Thank you, Dad, for laying the foundation we can all carry with us because we have loved you and been richly loved by you. We’ll carry your amazing love with us and give it freely to others, the way you always have.

And thank you, God, for giving us such an awe-inspiring example of a gentleman, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.


See related earlier post from July of 2019.