A joy to behold

It is said that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. And under this Enhanced Community Quarantine, we run out of things that will make us preoccupied. Especially for one who is used to a tight schedule and would often complain about unfinished business at the end of the day. And so when we do things that are left undone under during regular days, we say we indeed have missed so many noteworthy activities. As for others, they jokingly say that these activities are also keeping them sane. For they cannot imagine a day devoting most of the time facing the television set, mobile phone or plainly staring blankly at the wall.

Yet just before the lockout, with the fast-paced lives that most people have today, it doesn't come as a surprise that people are looking for ways to relax and unwind. Hobbies and activities are both geared for the enjoyment of both mind and body. Most just want to get away from all the problems of life and to be able to forget these troubles for a short time.

Gardening is a relaxing hobby that can be enjoyed by people from any age group. The joy of seeing the growing plants day after day. The pleasure of anticipating buds slowly opening up and seeing them smile into flowers is incomparable. My heart dances with joy when, in the morning breeze, lovely flowers of variegated shades spill out their heads and fill the air with their sweet fragrance. In the morning, the flowers bloom in such abundance that I feel overwhelmed with happiness.

And because it's summer, some of them are unlucky, and I watch the slow rotting of the leaves down to the edges, to the roots. This despite the fact that so much care has been given, regular watering, moving to where I believe they will grow better. But it doesn't work, and it hurts to see their last day.

The joy of witnessing blooming flowers and leaves fills my heart with a sense of achievement and realizing the fact that the work of my own hands is bearing fruit definitely gives me pleasure. I derive great pleasure from this new-found hobby.

I have to take care of my plants every day. Once I see the plants, my happiness knows no bounds. I dig the earth and place manure in it. I weed the plants and hoe them. I'm pruning the hedges. I'm sowing the seedlings. I'm watering the tender plants. And since I just visited the Department of Agriculture, which is just a walking distance from our house, and got seeds from there, I expect one day to see the seeds germinate, grow and sprout. And so expect that one day it will fill the dining table with nourishment for our bodies.

The tenderness of delicate plants, the nurturing of trees, the decorative trimming of twigs and the planning and weeding of flower beds give the greatest pleasure. As flowers blossom with all their freshness and elegance, what a pleasure it is to behold.

It is my work, with deliberate nurturing, and I offer it for God’s glory. It makes my day.