Walking and Observing

Reflecting on my week, I realized all of the connections I made because I was able to walk to work most days. Walking and observing each day allowed me to take note of especially beautiful gardens or people just enjoying a moment in the sun. I even had an impromptu meeting on the way to work one afternoon when I bumped into a colleague who works at another non-profit. I had sent her a long email the previous day. When she saw me she walking by, she said, “You know, if you can remember the list of items in your email, maybe I can answer them right now.” Chatting in the shade was much more pleasant than having to make plans via email or over a zoom conversation.

On Wednesday I was walking back to the office after lunch and I passed by a garden that I have noticed before, but I have never seen anyone working there. The garden is whimsical and beautiful and looks like someone is gradually adding to it bit by bit. On Wednesday, there was a woman watering the plants, so I stopped and crossed the yard to speak to her. I suspected that she couldn’t hear me over the sound of the spraying water and I didn’t want to startle her. I edged a little closer and a little closer, exclaiming repeatedly, “I love your garden!” The woman finally heard me and turned off the hose.

“I love your garden! Thank you for all your hard work! It’s like a little oasis and I love to walk by it each day.”

“Oh really? Thank you!”

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I learned that this neighbor’s name is Martha. She moved in a little over a year ago and is gradually expanding her little garden area. Martha was wonderfully hospitable! She welcomed me into her garden and gave me a tour, as one might do when a new person visits one’s home. She showed me each bed and explained what is planted in each. She pointed out some tiny hopeful shoots peeking through the soil and shared the story of a neighbor who had given her a giant elephant ear bulb. She even shared the stories of the ornaments in her garden - the pair of cardinals that remind her of her grandmother.

It made my day to meet Martha and to be welcomed into her queendom!

On our quarterly Community Call this week, we talked about calling forth and naming the gifts of others. Martha has gifts of gardening and hospitality. She was not outside today when I stopped by and left her a card on her patio to thank her for her hospitality and for sharing her oasis with me. It brings me joy to see her garden each day.

I am grateful for the gift of being able to walk to work and to notice the beauty in my neighborhood.