"Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders."
Henry David Thoreau
My oldest granddaughter and her family gave me a lovely collection of organic seeds in a sturdy wooden case for Mother's Day. The crazy spring we had (and an even crazier summer right behind it) forced me to put off planting the seeds until way after Memorial Day. Weeks went by in June with barely a tiny spec of green in some pots. and none in the others. I decided that if I didn't see any more progress by the end of June, I would just go out and buy some plants to put in. Between 100 degree days followed by days of endless rain, my seeds were struggling for sure.
Fast forward two weeks after I put in the plants I bought: the seeds did, indeed, start to sprout. First came the peas, then the basil, then the strawberries, and the rest followed. It is now almost mid-July and I am trying to support a cucumber plant that is threatening to take over the entire garden!
Henry David Thoreau, my mentor and the one who guided me to move here to upstate New York 34 years ago, had great faith in a seed. Not all seeds are alike, just like not all people are alike. Some take longer to germinate, then start to grow, then blossom. That goes for people, too, It takes some folks longer to break out of their shells, take that first step out beyond their comfort zone, and, finally, to bloom. Patience is not only a virtue, it is the key to living a happy, healthy and content life.
Plant that seed. Water it, talk to it, love it, and give it time. Then be amazed at what grows.
And so, it is.
