You Didn’t Even Look Nervous

I wasn’t sure if she’d really do it.

‘Mom, I can’t wait for the recital!’ She was first in the piano-student line-up. We took our seats and checked to make sure we had a good angle to video. That was when the teacher came over to get her. It was time to go on stage. And that’s when the tears started. The teacher waited patiently. ‘It’s okay,’ I said in my head, ‘you can do this.’

The teacher whispered the perfect words of encouragement to her, then took her hand to walk up on stage. Ruth looked confident and made it through the whole song with [what looked like] ease. This was real progress.

Our youngest doesn’t like a lot of attention. When all eyes are on her, she will hide behind mom and dad and can be moved to tears. Our homeschool group does two holiday showcase performances each year. And even though she had rehearsed her part in Kindergarten, she never made it off my lap in the audience. In first grade, she made it up on stage, then froze and started crying when it was her turn to speak. The next time she went up on stage AND said her part! And this year, after starting piano lessons in summer, this second grader played the piano on stage!

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The next day I asked her how she liked performing at the recital. She said it was scary, but fun. I told her she didn’t even look nervous. Little by little, our baby is growing up, facing her fears, challenging herself and working hard to do her best.

Isn’t that the way it goes sometimes, even as adults? Maybe there is a role at work, church or with a community or social group that you’re interested in but really nervous about. Maybe you don’t quite feel you’re good enough. Or maybe you’re entering a time in your life when things are changing and you’re trying something new. So, you study, practice and prepare. Your heart beats faster, and you would rather NOT do this thing you’ve gotten yourself into.

And then you do it. And nobody even knew you were nervous. You faced the challenge, made it through and are better for it. Doesn’t that feel good?

As the year comes to a close and you’re reflecting on everything, what challenge or challenges will you be taking on in the new year? How will you reach your potential? (Reaching our Potential is one of our Core Values.) Little by little, we can make steps in the right direction to make the most of our God-given time and talents.

If one of your challenges is to tackle gardening or landscaping, you don’t have to do it alone. We surround ourselves with nature, plants and beautiful landscapes because we know how important they are in making us feel connected and well. Studies show that being in nature, around trees and other plants, relieves stress, actually lowers blood pressure, accelerates healing and makes us happier. We want you to feel your pulse slow, your shoulders relax and your mind clear.

How can we help you get better, little by little, in 2025?

Thankful to grow with you,

 

 

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WINTER ANNOUNCEMENTS

• The Garden Center is closed until March. Now is the time to plan landscape projects for 2025. Our winter design spots are filling up quickly, so set up your off-season consult.

• Have questions or need some inspiration as you plan for next year? You can reach us by phone or email in the office Monday through Friday through winter (aside from the holidays 12/23-1/3). In about 5 more weeks, we’ll be back in the greenhouses preparing to plant. Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes updates on what we’re planting, how we do it and more.

• Behind-the-scenes planning for 2025 is happening now, the best time to share questions and plans for larger municipal and community gardens and place orders. We can even grow custom hanging baskets, container gardens, annuals and perennials for you. Please reach out.

• Let us know if you have a special Make & Take Workshop you’d like to see or plants you’d like to pre-order.