The Gift in the Packge

For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth.  Isaiah 61:11

God is so smart!  He gives us exactly the gifts we need to fulfill the plan He has created specifically and perfectly for each of us.  It sounds so simple when I put it in print, but it’s putting that thought into action that gets tricky at times.  I try not to be greedy or jealous but sometimes I see gifts in others and I can’t help but stomp my foot like a toddler and wish I had that gift too. I’m certain at those moments God looks down and rolls his eyes at me and finds me completely ridiculous.  Thank goodness my little fits don’t last long before I’m snapped back to reality with a dose of gratefulness. 

I received a package in the mail recently that showcased the amazing gifts of a good friend.  As I tore off the wrapper, I found a copy of a beautiful new book called A Catholic Gardner’s Spiritual Almanac.  As I began reading through the pages of this wonderful book written by Margaret Rose Realy I was amazed at the gifts God has given her.  She has three gifts in particular that inspire and impress me.  She is a beautiful writer, a brilliant Catholic and an amazing gardener.  This delightful new book displays all three gifts splendidly.  The book seamlessly weaves together the beauty, celebrations and traditions of faith, nature and the bounty of the God who loves us.

I have trouble growing weeds but I would love to be the creator of gorgeous gardens.  I love my Catholic faith but feel like I know a thimbles worth compared to the gallons there is to know and I think it would be so fun to see my words tucked neatly between the covers of a book.  Considering all that, it might have been tempting to feel a little jealous of my friend but instead I was excited to dive into this new book and take advantage of the true purpose of her gifts…to build up the Church.  Margaret’s gifts bubble forth from this book in such a way that I can learn and grow.  I can learn about my faith, I can learn about plants, seeds and all things growing.  Her gift doesn’t remain hers…it becomes mine too.  At one point I just sat the book down and pondered what a beautiful servant it takes to empty yourself completely without worry of the cost, the time, the outcome or the expense.  Margaret’s book is just that; an emptying of her thoughts, expertise, talents and deep love of God and all He has created for us to enjoy.

I think perhaps the greatest mistake I can make is to think my gifts are for me or that they are given to me so others might think more of me.  My friend Margaret taught me differently and instead of a fit or a pout, I offer a prayer of thanksgiving and a heartfelt desire to share the fruit of her gifts so others can be touched the way I have been.  Thank you God for the gifts you have given Margaret and thank you Margaret for sharing them with us. 

A Seed To Plant:  Give yourself a Spring gift; head over to Amazon and get a copy of A Catholic Gardner’s Spiritual Almanac by Margaret Rose Realy.

Blessings on your day!