The Way
Generosity and kindness are the way things should be — according to my garden.
The tomatoes on my vines are always the first in town. I work hard to make that happen as it brings me joy to give away these plump round fruits.
Each morning, after gathering the daily harvest from my tiny garden, I deliver veggies and herbs to my neighbor’s doors. Sometimes we can smile and chat and sometimes the offerings are left by the door.
Tomatoes left at a neighbor's door may return as a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich.
Cucumbers long and sweet come back as smiles sometimes from a passing stranger.
Zucchini shared, especially the first, may come back later in the form of bread.
A bouquet of rosemary, lavender, mint, and thyme may be remembered with a dozen fresh farm eggs.
A young man remembering a basil plant may stop to share his excitement about the special flavor his basil brought out in the spaghetti he made for his family.
That mess of peas and new potatoes dropped off at a friend's door may return as three pounds of lean homegrown beef.
Green beans may show up as ears of sweetcorn.
Sharing tea and taking time to chat may be returned as treasures and a thank you note.
It’s never that the gifts of the earth are ours to give or that something is expected in return when shared. It is that the gifts of the earth do not belong to us. Thus we should free them. Accept with thanks what we can use and share with all who pass our way.
By showing respect for what we are given and being sure the abundance does not go to waste, we are only doing what we should.
And I like that.
I’m thankful for the generosity and kindness I see every day in my little garden.
Thank you dear readers for stopping by Spread The Ripple to read my simple words. Thank you, dear Ali Hall, for creating this charming publication.
I dedicate this story to the children Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles helps support. You may help support underprivileged children via Vidya’s Ko-Fi. Thank you so much!
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