The Hollyhock

A year ago I was scrolling Facebook feeling guilty. Laden with recurring migraines, headaches, anxiety and depression (at the time unknowingly) I had very little energy. The energy I did have went to my children and getting through the day.

The box garden bed my husband had made me sat empty that year. The year it was built the bed was lush with cherry tomatoes and green peppers. Because it is better if you grow your own food, right? Because heaven forbid you rely on a grocery store or worse, feed your family a box of chicken nuggets! At least if you throw in some homegrown food with your chicken nuggets you might get an honorable mention at the non-existent parenting award show.

The summer of emptiness, I planted hope. I scattered some seeds with a prayer. A gesture of guilt from not being able to plant vegetables and be what social media feigns as a good summer mom. I have wanted hollyhock for as long as I can remember. This summer those seeds bloomed. They stand tall and proud. Strong and healthy. Like me.

Whatever you are sowing this season, may it reap joy. May effort not rob you of the beauty of simplicity. And, finally, may your definition of joy come from within and not a scroll.

It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building. 
-1 Corinthians 3:7-9 NLT