In just a few days my husband and I will celebrate our anniversary! This year, with the economy being tested, and we in that same boat, thought hard about what to give each other. There really is nothing that I need. I have enough clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc. In the past, I may have requested to add to my collections of such. But things do not appeal to me right now.
On the other hand, one of the joys I find is in gardening and making our yard beautiful. I love the feel of the dirt on my hands. I love the color of the flowers and shrubs. I love reaping the vegetables from the garden. I even enjoy the weeding and watering. So, I suggested to my husband, who was also having difficulty coming up with any suggestions of gifts for him, that we buy and plant an anniversary tree. When we bought this home, almost three years ago, there were two trees that the previous owners had planted that were not thriving, and did not survive. I had wanted to replace at least one of them. Previously, my attention had focused on the front yard. Now it was time to think about that tree.
And so, we did! We wanted one that was drought-resistant, colorful, and would eventually provide shade. So, we settled on a "Purple plum", (that is the common name). And so, we look forward to measuring it each anniversary, just like we would a child, to see how much it is growing! And, as my daughter-in-law pointed out, we are also "going green".
The boys and I set the butterflies free Friday. We opened the habitat in the back yard. At first, the butterflies just fluttered around, circling inside the habitat, relunctant to escape. And then one left the fold. And then another. Suddenly, the remainder flew up and out into the sky. They flitted around in the yard. One flew over the fence, but the others just hung out for a while. In fact, they let us catch them with our hands, briefly, but then flew off again. Handsome wanted to say a prayer that the birds wouldn't eat his butterflies. I feel that even God could not resist that little prayer. I have confidence that they will be happy and reproduce and live their fullest life span. He felt good about releasing them, as he worried about them in the habitat. So, we said good-bye with a prayer and watch every day to see if they return. So far, they have sent their friends of different colors, but have not returned themselves. But the boys are okay with that!
Today they made a mud hole and put themselves fully into it. Sister joined in as well. She didn't seem to mind this time. Such fun...and then the tub!
These are times of struggle...if one focuses on those issues. But I am grateful that I can focus on the flight and the plight of butterflies, and the growth of trees, flowers, and vegetables. For today...and tomorrow...one day at a time! After all, God provided first in a garden. Why should today be any different?
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