I have memories of our now 13-year-old daughter as a toddler trying to plant every seed she could find or come across in our yard. She could barely talk and was digging holes planting seeds. She seemed to have a spot (or two) cleared out in the flowerbed waiting and watching for something to spring up. I had no idea at the time this interest would continue to grow and the Lord would develop in her a deep passion for self-sustaining farming and homesteading. I am thankful we allowed those holes to be dug. Two moves later it really doesn't matter one bit that it wasn't a perfectly maintained flowerbed however it does matter that her passion was nurtured and encouraged.
I recall having the kids pull weeds as a disciplinary activity when they were younger. It always seemed to work for Logan; you would clearly see his misery with each and every second that passed. (There were great Biblical lessons to tie into our talks after the activity was complete) I attempted this activity once and only once for Maddy. I sent her out to weed the beds and she enjoyed every single second and even asked to stay longer when her time was up. It gave me insight into her unique passion, not to mention the understanding that this wasn't a successful technique for discipline.
Now at 13 years old she is constantly learning and sharing her passion with others. I wasn't thrilled when we decided to rent a plot of land at the community garden three years ago. I thought I was sacrificing time I didn't have but little did I know how The Lord would use the dirt, weeds and harvest to teach us some valuable lessons. Maddy's interest exploded and her passion was shared with many others and us over the past few years. We added an additional plot of land each year and now have 3 plots, a 30x90 area now. I am thankful the Lord gave her (and all of our children) passions beyond our own interests as parents. We continue to learn many things through our children's gifts/talents/passions and we have the privilege of encouraging, affirming and praying they will use everything to advance the gospel.
1st big harvest in the garden (last week)
It brings me so much joy to listen to the sweet conversations between these two at the garden. I have overheard them talking as they pull weeds sharing their dreams with one another.
We enlisted Billy's help this week picking beans and peas! We picked over 8 pounds of beans! Many hours are spent in the garden weeding since we don't use chemicals on the plants. Madelyn saves many of her seeds and almost everything is organic, heirloom and Non-GMO.
This tough time of the season is when you can look around at the other plots and see who has given up because of the weeds or lack of time.
This is the second harvest. Can you imagine how much all this organic produce would be at the grocery store?!
The work continues after harvesting. We spent several hours' together washing, drying, snapping, shelling, blanching, freezing, cutting and storing the produce. So many great conversations were had and Madelyn works diligently with so much joy and contentment. Also, I am thankful that our work helps tremendously with our grocery budget and they enjoy sharing the harvest with others.
Little by little our picky eater is attempting to try new food as she helps in the garden.
Stay tuned our harvesting season has just begun!
"Each one should use whatever gift he has
received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various
forms." 1 Peter 4:10
In the comments below please share some of your childrens' gifts, talents, passions and abilities and how you are encouraging them to use them to serve others.
