Today is Mother's Day. It's precipitated contemplation which I nurtured this week, after "work." in my garden where I am preparing the ground for another year of experiences. I realized the garden is, for me, a wonderful metaphor for life. In both there is birth, new growth, renewal full bloom, fading and, in many cases-sometimes mid-season and sometimes at the end-dying. There are challenges, diseases, need for more knowledge, and constant clean-up. There is also joy, beauty, rewards and fulfillment not to mention the good physical work of turning dirt with a shovel combined with the bending and squatting gardening requires. Indeed it is good physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual exercise. That is why, when I received the following, I thought it was a perfect message for the week and life. Sadly, I don't know the author.

FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS:

1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:

1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash grumbling
4. Squash grumbling

1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce love one another

CONSIDER TURNIPS:

1. Turnip for meetings
2. Turnip for service
3. Turnip to help one another

REMEMBER THE THYME:

1. Thyme for each other
2. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends

Water freely with patience and cultivate with love. In truth, you will reap what you sow.