Roots

I've been struggling with this post, trying to get it just right... It's not quite right yet, but I don't think stewing on it any longer will get it there. Sometimes you just have to let it ride and embrace the imperfection.

I've started a lot of seedlings (literally thousands) in the last five weeks, and transplanted those seedlings into potting soil - either 3 1/2 inch pots or into the big planters that will soon adorn the property.

Some of those little seedlings grow great big stems and leaves quicker than their brethren. Those showy traits, however, are not what I look for when I choose a place to place into a pot. I'm looking for something less showy - the plants with the best roots.

A plant with a good root system will last longer and be healthier. Eventually, it will become more visibly productive and more beautiful than its showy brethren who put all of their energy immediately into what we see as pretty instead of into what is most important - their foundation.

Don't you wish humans were more interested in others roots than in their showy stems and leaves? I will admit that I love those stems, leaves and blooms, but aren't they all rather shallow without some base to give them depth and longevity?

Sometimes those roots get all tangled up and bound together, and need a little roughing up to grow. My own tangled roots sometimes NEED a little roughing up before I can make change or thrive in a new environment. And when those root systems are unbound and growing deep - isn't the result so much more beautiful and long-lasting?

Wouldn't the world be a better place if we all worked on our roots and the outcome was beautiful, well-grounded blooms? Or if we gave less attention to beauty that is fleeting and focused on the beauty within? That we valued a person based on their character and not on their appearance?

And that's not to say that physical beauty doesn't have it's place. But it's so much more satisfying when there's depth there, too.

Take my sister for example. She's gorgeous - smoking hot, really - but what makes her so beautiful is the woman she is inside. Tender-hearted and kind. A person who will befriend a homeless man named Willy and then go out and buy him a couple pairs of shoes because he needed them. Who she is inside glows out through her eyes, and makes her so much more beautiful.

Character is important. Roots are important. Depth is important.

Hmm... Anyhow, that's just something I've been stewing on in the greenhouse. Feel free to let me know what you think!

And speaking of roots, let me say a very Happy Mother's Day to my own incredible Mom, who is having her first Mother's Day without her own Mom to celebrate with. I miss Grandma Joan, too, Mom - and I think of her every day. Happy Mother's Day, Grandma Joan. I love you. And I love you, too, Mama. Thanks for praying so fiercely for us every day. We can't wait to see you in July.

To Catherine and G'ma Joyce - Happy Mother's Day to both of you, too. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly into your family. Love you!

And to all of you moms out there, thank you for being the loving nurturers you are. I hope you have an incredible day filled with love and surprises.

Update: Here are a couple of posts that Blogger decided it needed to delete when it went down for the day. Take that, Blogger! I'm still putting them up!

From Kelli:
Er seriously you made me tear! I for sure do not deserve any of those kind words...but thank you! You're the BEST, and I love and MISS YOU sooooo much!

From Jess:
I love this post, Erin. Mom and I went hiking on Sunday and I brought up your root analogy. I'm so thankful to have friends who are growing strong roots, and search for that quality in others as well. I love that your experiences during this season are providing time for reflection and growth - in you and the plants :)