Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Volunteers

IMG_2172

In my jumbled tangle of zinnias this past spring and summer,

there apparently were some seeds that dropped and decided to visit again in voluntary glory this fall.

I am humbled by the idea of volunteers- in gardening and otherwise.

I get to be reminded of this life lesson daily because volunteers abound in my yard.

I do not take this for granted.

What an unexpected gift is reaped from

this idea of the volunteer.

“I’ll go- you stay here.”

“It’s my turn. Don’t worry.”

I have volunteered in my life- and I have agreed to serve when asked.

In my two years of retirement- after 32 years in education- I have been hanging on tightly

to my time and my new interests, my work with beginning teachers, and bits of freedom.

I thank God for this timely gift.

I am not quite ready to let that go, to volunteer again in the ways of the world.

I am grateful for these lessons daily in my yard.

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I am linking to-

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21 comments:

Karen said...

Yes.. volunteering is what you make of it. It can be a gift or a burden. It has to be treated carefully and respected. So nice that you appreciate your volunteers. They aim to please.
Karen
Ladybug Creek

Unknown said...

There is a season to everything Laura...right now you are in the season of taking care of you.

LPC said...

I agree - I love the whole idea of volunteers, but particularly in the garden.

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Volunteer flowers are always welcomed and a welcome surprise...volunteering...sometimes it's good.

Deb said...

I love this post...without volunteers where would we be in this world...I have zinnias coming up also...such a nice surprise

Sue said...

That was a beautiful post...a nice way to end my evening. Thank you.

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Lovely post honey. I am so glad I stopped by before going to bed tonight.
Sorry I have been absent from here lately but will catch up soon.
Enjoyed wearing your beautiful necklace to Round Top...I just love it
Love
Maggie

Sarah said...

Laura, to everything there is a season and retirement is the season of one's life to let others take the reins of community service. Jump in when your heart tells you it's ready. But until then, just savor the beauty of time for oneself.

Pondside said...

What a lovely post! Part of my work involves coordinating volunteers - the best part!

Theresa said...

I am thankful for the volunteers in my yard too! They multiply and add beauty! Have a blessed day my friend! HUGS!

trash talk said...

I very well imagine that by continuing to do what you do, you're spreading seeds as well.
Debbie
P.S. I'd love to see something pretty spring up in my yard...volunteer, militia, or drafted...anything prettier than brown grass!

Sandy aka Doris the Great said...

I volunteered for many years. But as I age and am still dealing with working full-time, tending to students in my home, and fitting in a couple of "ME" things, I have stepped back in my volunteer life. Just as another reader said: "There is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven". I guess this is yours and my season to sit for a while. Don't sweat it.

PS - I love the volunteer flowers. What a lovely way of naming them.

LV said...

That is a new name for me. I like it and it fits the plants very well. Nice post and blog.

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful post.

Donnie said...

My computer hiccuped so not sure if my last comment went through. Just saying lovely words to match a lovely photo.

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Volunteers of the people and plant kind are great gifts!

Olive said...

We have had volunteers of begonias and impatients this year. It is rather amazing. hugs♥O

Linda said...

What a wonderful post! I love volunteers of all types...people and plants!

Bonnie said...

Laura, I enjoyed your zinnias all summer in various posts. Since I love flowers they catch my eye immediately. Last week I was amazed to find a spider lily blooming in a bed at least a 100 feet away from the other lilies. It is fun to see plants jump around your yard.

I love your sweet comments. Our trip was wonderful and I am slowly beginning to post pictures. I have so many everyone might get bored.

Linda Jo said...

Great post! I have some zinnias that showed up, too. I'm like "where did you come from"! I love the volunteer theory!

Lydia said...

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