Over the past week or two, I've spent a lot of time parenting and gardening - and often at the same time. Elisabeth and I have been doing homeschool outside in the garden every morning (that it hasn't rained). She waters the plants, and I pluck the weeds. And, of course, we read, talk and write together.
It strikes me that that there is a parallel between parenting and gardening in concerted cultivation. If I want the garden to thrive (and not the weeds), I need to be diligent about watering and weeding. When I do those two things, I can enjoy the beauty of the garden. Likewise in parenting, I need to be diligent in nurturing and correcting. When I do those two things, I enjoy the beauty of right relationship. If I fail to nurture, Elisabeth will wilt like a flower without water; if I nurture without correcting, she'll grow, but her character will be laced with weeds. If I correct without nurture, I may get rid of the weeds, but her character won't blossom.
We're off to the garden again this morning . . .
Adventures in Parenting
Stories and Photos Tagged 'gardens'
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Butterfly in the Conservatory Gardens
Oct 27, 2009
by Graham // 0 comments // tagged with: gardens
Fall is my favorite time of year in the Conservatory Gardens. This week, when I took the girls there to see the mums, we happened upon this butterfly.
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Jennifer: Congratulations Scharfs! Love to Mommy, Daddy, and the :) sisters!
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Becca: I hear she is a good eater AND sleeper! I am so happy for you and hope that it lasts a LONG time :)
- March 13, 2009 03:06PM