Last year, I was so late on getting my seeds started! We were in a drought here in Southern IL, and at our homestead, we were in “drought routine” for months. What that means is that I saved all the water with which I washed dishes and used it to flush the toilet. I took the laundry to the laundromat and lugged the heavy baskets home so I could dry them. We portaged water in from the new homestead. I knew how to take a quick shower and how to be thankful that the tap has never run dry, due in part to our conservation efforts.
What has this got to do with being late getting my seeds started? When any stressor like the added work of “drought routine” continues steadily, something has to give. Never berate yourself if you find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer work-load on a homestead. Sometimes, you have to pick the priority project and let some things slide. Your stock must always have your attention, but living the simpler life should be just that: simple, less complicated, maybe not less stressful but there is a rest and a peace that passes all understanding that comes from time with God that can bring you joy in the midst of our workday.
I want to encourage you that while life is stressful, you can choose to carve out time for what’s important. I worked so hard to maintain a spotlessly clean house when my boys were growing up but what I remember most are precious times spent laughing as we baked cookies or going on homeschool field trips. Sow seeds of time into your family. Jim’s dad was an executive for Emersion Defense. He and his wife raised eight children, but his passion was his work. Each child can tell you the one time he came to a soccer game or dance recital. Jim came to me one day when our sons were little and told me he wanted to be a different kind of father, even though his dad was great in many ways. We found jobs for all his employees and shifted gears in his business that gave him more time to spend with his family. It meant not building a large company, he made a conscious decision to put his family first. This decision meant less income, we drove older trucks, but we were together. I am so glad he sowed seeds of time into his family, and there are no regrets. We have lovely sons who love us and are fine men. Jim and I still enjoy spending time together after over 35 years of marriage. You only live once: live well.
How did I recover from not getting my seeds started soon enough that spring? Since some herbs and celery take up to a month to germinate and then you have to spend a month or two nurturing them, I headed to Buchheit for more of their quality bedding plants and Bonnie herbs.
This year, I’ll keep an eye out for their spring sales and watch my email for their updates. I want to encourage you to sow seeds of time into your passions and your relationship this year. Sow seeds of kindness and may you reap a harvest of plenty. You have so much to offer others, relax and enjoy the simpler life.
Sincerely,
Anne May
