Garden People

We’re overwhelmed by how amazing it is. 

And we’re overwhelmed by all the work.

It’s both. 

65 years of dirt and wear. 

65 years of established gardens. 

Eden meets Earth in real time. 

Day one, fresh from closing

We’re greeted by family

Happy dancing in the grass

Nana’s eyes bursting with joyous tears. 

The vision comes true. 

Garden people, everywhere. 

I’ll make a helper suitable. An ezer. 

We have a whole crew. 

Sons and neighbors willing to do the heavy lifting

Willing to show up with chainsaws, too. 

Day three. Sunday Sabbath. 

Until it wasn’t. 

While we worshipped a storm passed through

Taking down branches the size of trees

Making a mess, but missing houses.

We groan, exhausted. 

The next day it’s gone. All of it. 

Like it never happened 

Miracle helpers everywhere. 

My sister shows up to weed gardens

Eden is back. 

We’re getting to know our river.

We put in the dock

Take grandkids for boat rides

Take Maple for a paddle

Evenings of music and fireworks. River sport. 

Lake-life was quiet. 

The river is hopping. 

And so is my house. 

Visitors at every hour. I’m in my jammies and

Dads with littles (not just my sons) 

Stop by with grins, to say “Hello!” 

Every day I empty boxes

While Kyle works his nine to five.

Order comes to cabinets and closets

While we demo for hardwood and wait on carpet.

We dine on the patio, when we remember to eat. 

I fall into bed, bone weary, brain on fire. 

Pulse racing with lists and worries

Until I remember—endless gratitude. Endless praise. 

Without fail, a song on repeat. 

My song through the night. 

All creation cries holy

You are lifted high, holy

Holy forever

Hear Your people sing

To the King of kings

You will always be holy forever…*

We’re overwhelmed by all of it. 

Hard and good. Sweat and work. 

Giggles and dancing.

Praise and provision. Love and joy.

And Garden people everywhere. 

*Holy Forever, by Chris Tomlin

(Every night for several weeks, this song has been going through my head on repeat.)