Ingedient #3 - The Yard

"Trees are better than textbooks. Each limb you climb teaches a new perspective, viewpoint, and worldview with a host of corresponding lessons. Parks can teach part of this, but the allegorical life of the tree itself must be known up close; the metaphysical array of beings it hosts must be studied up close and personal. A relationship with a place, a land, and a country is necessary for true leadership and effective statesmanship." ~ Leadership Education, pages 128-129

Past Yard

How true this is! We lost our yard when we left our last home, moving into a duplex with a shared outdoor environment. This has greatly decreased the happiness of our family and especially our children. With the arrival of Spring, we are itching to plant a garden, take care of new animals, and maintain the landscape. But, we do not have this privilege this year. No garden. No new chicks or rabbits. No trees or bushes to trim.

Some may consider us quite lucky. We tried to look at it that way as well. However, I can see the disappointment in my children as they have nothing to do during this particular season of growth and renewal. I initially thought we could supplant our own garden and yard with working on other places to beautify and by visiting the gardens and natural wonders of our region. But, like the quote above mentions, not having a relationship of personal ownership or care of these places is really not providing a match for what is missing.

So, put the books away and enjoy the beauty of the earth! Enjoy the work your yard provides, it is essential for happiness and learning.