GENERATIONS

Four years ago

When we were planning the first Good News Easter Egg Hunt

We didn’t have a lot of children in our congregation.

So we encouraged everyone to invite

Their grandchildren

And great-grandchildren

And neighbor’s children

And friend’s children.

And they did.

Two families from Wichita have come home every year.

So I was elated

When Elliott and Kristina

Began making plans to bring Henry & Harper

Here for their first Easter.

Traveling with twin 8 month old babies

Is brave to say the least.

But they have been amazingly relaxed parents.

Last Saturday afternoon

We gathered in the garden.

Many of these children have been coming every year.

They are very comfortable in my garden

And respectful.

They know they are welcome to wonder through it all

As long as they stay on the path.

They can even leave their name in chalk.

Fewer and fewer each year are concerned about

Ladybugs crawling up their arms.

This year one child even made my

“Why do we release ladybugs in the garden” speech spontaneously for me.

Sloan realized that we were a bit deprived

In the signage department

And convinced her mom to fix that problem.

As more children have come to our church

Our numbers have grown.

It’s common to have three generations of families come.

Sometimes even four.

Which is why I was thrilled when

My uncle George dropped by

To meet Harper & Henry.

George is the last of my father’s 12 siblings.

It was a poignant moment to see them together.

The past meeting the future.

Gardens have always been a gathering place

A place of reflection

A place to pass along knowledge

And wisdom.

Generations of life happen in a garden.

I’m so pleased that some of those memories

Are being made each Easter

In my garden.

Gail

Thank you for this personal indulgence.  I promise to get to serious gardening next week!