Lessons Learnt From My Farming Experience

You may not be a farmer, but I am sure that in your lifetime you have had the desire to see something grow. That is, you have had a desire to see something mature.

I have been watching over my broccoli diligently.

Since my husband and I have sown the seeds, we have been hopeful. We have planted and reaped edible plants before, however, there has been something special about our broccoli. We got a new pot to sow the seeds although we have ample land space. We placed it on our verandah because we use the verandah every day and would not forget to nurture the seeds to maturity.

We were overjoyed when the seeds started to sprout. We were sure that in a few days we could transplant them. To date, three months later, we are still hoping to transplant then soon.

Here are some things that I have observed while we are waiting, and the lessons learnt.

Observation 1: The growth process of things is different.

At the time we planted the broccoli, we planted sorrel, okra, corn and sweet pepper. To date, we have reaped and consume sorrel and have dried okra seed for replanting while we continue to wait on the broccoli to be mature enough for transplanting.

Lesson learnt We, like plants are all different- grossly different. We grow at different rates and at various times even when planted at the same time and exposed to the same environments and elements. This is important for all of us. It is important for me as a mother, a teacher, a pastor, a wife, a friend and a slave of Christ. All the lives that will be placed under my diligent watch will not all have the same growth rate. It is also possible that some may not flourish under my care. Lawd Jesas!

Observation 2: Whatever you expect to grow will need your attention.

A few times during the last three months, we became overwhelmed by our workload and missed watering the broccoli. They wilted and couldn't stand up. We scampered to get them water.

Lesson learnt

We should not leave to chance the people under our care. They could suffer from the elements which could affect their rate of development.

Those who depend solely on us need us thrive . Our forgetfulness and busyness can be detrimental to them.

Observation 3: Having done my part well the rest is up to God who is able.

My husband and I are not experts in farming, therefore, we had to do much research to place plants in the most suitable place. This includes soil type and amount of sun exposure. We must be mindful of the watering schedule and the treatment of plants at the different growth stages. After all this, there is hardly anything else we can do but wait as we do not use

Lesson

My job is to remain hopeful. Not to quit or force the growth.

Isn’t this an exceedingly difficult part of the process for many of us?

Having read this blog, what is your take away?