Grandma’s Petunias

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24   

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Philippians 4:8

In my memories, my Grandma Hieb’s flower gardens were beautiful. A profusion of petunias in a triangular bed between the garage and the front door; I remember it as an explosion of white and shades of pink.

Recently, however, in seeing photos of the flower bed from that time in the 70s, the bed looks overgrown, scraggly. The petunias are leggy (not a good thing, with petunias, as all of you gardeners can attest!) In other words, the flower garden of my memories was preferable to (evidently) what really existed.

I wonder if we can use this analogy when we consider our fellow humanity.

I’m reminded of something a friend shared during one of our Mental Health Cafes (sponsored by our Faith Partners group), and I’m paraphrasing here: “my mental health is significantly improved when I think the best of someone”. In other words, if we give others the benefit of the doubt, if we believe that others are doing the best they can, if we believe that others mean well, OUR well-being and mindset are improved.

Like the pretty petunia bed in my memories, the ugliness is replaced by something better.

Prayer: Dear Lord, let me see the good in those I meet, let me believe that others are trying their best to be better human beings. Lead me to see You in my fellow humanity. Amen.

Donna Gustafson (photo above of me and my little brother near the petunia beds!)