11.14.2025 | Ordinary Friday

The Sacred Art of Puttering
“The earth has music for those who listen.”
— George Santayana
 
The winter cold that wrapped us in freezing temperatures has finally loosened its grip, and Fall has returned with a soft sigh. Sunshine spills across the yard, the air is crisp but kind, and the trees, still dressed in their golden garments, hold on just a little longer. It’s the kind of day that beckons you outside, inviting you to cross a few more chores off the to-do list while soaking in the beauty.
 
When I was younger, the very idea of raking leaves or mowing grass filled me with dread. I’d invent any excuse to avoid yard work. But many years later, you’ll find me most days puttering about in the Garden, pulling a weed here, moving a plant there, or simply sitting and pondering.
 
I putter and I ponder. These quiet rituals have become more than a hobby for this old Gardener. They are my sacred rhythm, my way of connecting with the Creator of all things. The Garden is my sanctuary, my teacher, my place of spiritual growth and wonder. Working the soil, nurturing life, and watching the seasons unfold reminds me to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly connect.
 
We all need that connection with nature. For me, it’s essential. Even a short time outdoors fills me with wisdom, beauty, and a sense of awe that lingers long after I’ve come back inside. Nature has long been a spiritual guide—whispering truths, offering comfort, and revealing the divine in the ordinary.
 
By embracing nature as a teacher, we deepen our awareness and cultivate a more profound sense of spiritual growth. Gardening, in particular, offers a unique opportunity to explore this connection, to nurture not just plants, but our souls.
 
So today, I’ll put on my boots, pick up my rake, and head outside to putter a bit. I might ponder a bit too. And I know, without a doubt, I’ll feel better when I’m done.
 
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”
— Isaiah 55:12
​