“Before the reward there must be labor. You plant before you harvest. You sow in tears before you reap joy.” ~Ralph Ransom
The farmer's life is one of admirable, painstaking patience.
As the season of planting begins to draw near, the farmer must begin the process of preparing the earth in a variety of ways so that it not only receives the seeds, but also nurtures and nourishes them. Then, once planted, the seeds can slowly crack open their outer layers and begin their process, in the darkness of the earth, of sprouting their fine little shoots into the soil. And hopefully, those seeds will grow larger over time to bear good produce for all to partake in.
But time is the key; and in that gestational stage, so is the darkness.
The process of planting seeds and then waiting for the harvest is a long and arduous one; it requires much patience, wisdom, intuition, understanding, and an ability to see into the far distance the harvest that is to come, albeit after a great wait.
It is not a process where the results or the rewards of the toil are immediately seen or tasted, nor is it a process where there is any guarantee. Instead, it is a process that requires faith, and the basic understanding that if one courageously takes the necessary steps, makes the necessary effort, remains steadfast and hopeful, and maintains a vision of what can potentially be produced, then all things lean in the direction of success and an abundant harvest.
But the wait, in the dark... that is the challenge. But not for the experienced farmer.
The experienced farmer with seasons upon seasons of sowing and harvesting knows this process of toiling and waiting intimately, has befriended it, and is not discouraged.
She understands the very nature of what is required to bear good fruit, to produce that abundant harvest, and her enthusiasm is not dampened by the time, the effort, the silence in the darkness that it takes to reap what has been sown at the perfect moment.
And I am inspired by that farmer, and by her wisdom and her understanding.
I am inspired by her patience, her work ethic, her aches and pains, and her long-suffering until she can witness and then taste the fruit of her labor, at last.
I am that new farmer, toiling and working the soil, preparing it, and planting seeds of my own into the dark, quiet, still earth...
I can feel the sweat on my brow, the sun beating down on my shoulders...
And now, all I can do is wait—wait with eagerness, with anticipation, with faith, and with hope in a vision of an abundant harvest that is to come when the fruit is ripe and sweet.
But for now, my seeds are in the soil, in the earth, in the darkness...
After all, that is where all new life begins.
Taste what's good and pass it on.
Ingrid
“From The Heart” is a space for me to share some of my more personal thoughts on life. Here you'll find my reflections on my own inner/spiritual journey; on being a wife and mother; on being a creative; and general observations, pretty much whatever is on my mind.
I whole-heartedly believe that sharing "from the heart" with one another is what connects us, heals us, and inspires us! Glad you're here...
Roseanne
Dear Ingrid... this is my favorite season, and lately all the more precious because we've had over 4 Nor'easters here in CT. Some were less heavy than others, but the prep and the anticipation were the same. We have needed to be patient and live in knowing that spring was around the corner. And now, Spring is definitely in the air here. You can sense the changes and just one sign is hearing the birds starting to sing earlier and earlier in the mornings. My favorite time.... it's still dark and one by one, they start their song. People are feeling it, too; there's a lightness of spirit that I'm sensing in others. I know I am feeling it. I am looking forward to hearing about your harvest and sharing mine...whatever form that takes.
Love and my best ~ R
The Cozy Apron
My dear friend, your comment reminds me that so much in nature teaches us about patience, indeed...
I, too, am enjoying the songs of the birds in the early morning when I get up and it's still dark, which is something that I actually appreciate about this particular time change we just had. And people seem to be becoming a bit more "brighter and lighter", and that is so nice to see. I can imagine that in your neck of the country folks are really ready for this new season (with all of the intense weather you've had), and for the lovely sunshine. Here's to planting, being outdoors, inhaling the fresh air, and feeling the light upon our skin...Much love to you, and let's keep sharing our process, our harvest, and all that we're learning...xoxo.
Mr igwe michael
Hi Ingrid, your inspiration has also taught me to have faith in my patience not only as a farmer but also as a father in training of my children. Thank you so much
The Cozy Apron
Thank you so very much for your beautiful comment.
Esha Bland
Hello, Ingrid this was a beautiful message. I cant tell you how much i appreciated this message. I been in college since 2018 for radiology technician. I decided last year to switch for medical billing and coding for a better income. I just want a better future for me and my children and it seem like its taking forever so now im getting discouraged. I have a little hope because i graduate in may but knowing thats not a long term goal is discouraging. I read your message and understand that no matter who plant the seed nobody knows what the outcome will be with this plant. You have to nourish this plant and eventually see what the results are.
Thank you 🙂
The Cozy Apron
Esha, thanks so much for sharing your situation with me. I am so, so touched the post resonated with you, and that you were able to find some peace and understanding through what I wrote.
I can imagine what you go through on a personal level in trying to be the best mom you can be for your children, the best provider (this resonates with me on a personal level). And changing course can sometimes be so challenging, because it does, indeed, take time to see the seeds which you have planted take root and begin to sprout, flourish, and produce some kind of "fruit".
Just know that you are not alone in how you feel, and that each and every one of us is going through our own personal moments of growth and change. Uncertainty is such as part of life, and the best thing we can do is to somehow trust it, get comfortable with it, and grow in union with it.
May you remain hopeful. And may you experience all the success you have worked so hard to achieve. Much love!