I don’t know about you, but when I put something in the microwave, I often find myself impatiently watching the count down. Internally I am thinking, ‘Is it finished yet? It’s a microwave, it’s supposed to be fast.’
When I plant something in the garden, I am well aware that the process takes weeks, even months. Then I don’t watch frantically. Rather I find myself surprised and delighted when I spy a little bud shooting up through the dirt.
So often I approach life with a microwave mentality. Yet reality is more like a garden.
Take parenting as an example. I want to input manners into my kids. So they immediately use ‘please’, ‘thank you’, and ‘excuse me’ in all appropriate occasions. Reality is planting the seeds. Then reminding them again, and again, and again, and again! Somewhat like tending to a plant.
In so many areas of my life I want to rush and get immediate microwave results.
In my writing, I want my grammar to be perfect, the process to be easy and the book to be done.
In my friendships, I want deep friendships in no time at all, where we can relate and share and connect.
In my growth, I want to move on from my annoying personality traits now, and be a better person.
But the hard work is not done in the microwave. It is no accident that a microwave dinner never tastes as good as a long slow cooked meal.
So I need to remember that I am doing important work right now, sowing seeds in my girls’ lives.
I am doing important work when I water my writing, even though there is no visible bud.
I am doing important work when I remove the weeds in my personality and create space for growth.
I am doing important work in the slow, tedious work of gardening.
And one day, out of the blue, I will be surprised by the fruit.
Join me for the journey,
Jodie