Inch by Inch and Row by Row

I don't know if any of you are familiar with the song, but it's a song that used to play at my house when I was younger. It's one of those songs that brings back memories and although I don't recall the name of the song, I do remember how the chorus went.

Inch by inch and row by row,
Gonna make this garden grow,
All it takes is a rake and hoe,
And a piece of fertile ground.

I started humming the tune the other day while I was in my garden pulling weeds, ironically enough. This is the first summer that I have had a vegetable garden of my own and to be honest, I don't think this blog has enough room for me to discuss my garden at length. Let's just say that if there is ever a time where you would like to talk about my garden, feel free to give me a call. Be sure, however, that you leave yourself a good hour to talk about it.

After I was done pulling weeds and talking to my plants (I mean, uh, I hope I didn't say that out loud) I got to thinking how the characteristics of a good garden are very similar to the characteristics of trying to live a good life.

For example, a good garden needs good, fertile soil from which to grow. A solid foundation if you will. Similarly, a solid foundation of values and morals is necessary for a good life.

A strong garden needs sunlight to for it grow while a good life needs a guiding light to grow.

If you are growing a garden and are not careful, weeds can overtake the plants stunting growth and, quite possibly suffocating the garden. Can't the same be said about our lives?

What about the goal of a garden? Isn't the goal of a garden to give good fruits and vegetables for others? Interestingly enough, isn't the goal of leading a good life to give back to others as well?

If you're thinking of growing a garden, think of that song. Maybe it will help draw some comparisons for you and maybe it will help that garden grow. And talking to your plants, well, that doesn't hurt either. And there's No Bonz About It!

P&P

Is anyone up for a little P&P? Now, I know most people are always up for a little R&R (rest and relaxation) but to get to R&R, you really need to have P&P. And after a little R&R, you should have some P&P on top of that.

At this point, I’m thinking all 16 of my followers are asking “What on Earth are you talking about with this P&P nonsense?” (And, by the way, if you really like my blog, tell your friends about it. Who knows, maybe I could have 25 followers by the end of May).

Enough of my own self promotion - let me go into further detail about P&P. P&P stands for Patience and Positivity.

Let’s start with Patience...

Lord knows, I could always use some. Out of all the emotions and feelings in the world, patience is one that runs short on people. “I don’t have the patience for this,” or “Please, be patient I will get to it when I can.” I find myself telling my children to have some, yet wishing I had more and it’s very difficult to ask someone to do something when you are not displaying it.

Now on to Positivity…

I’ve always tried to find and to be positive in any situation and it is extremely difficult in many cases. Positivity can be a difficult state to reach. Even the definition of the word “positivity” is vague.

The actual definition (from Webster’s Dictionary) is “the state or character of being positive”. As one can tell, it’s pretty difficult to define a “state” or “character”. The first time I saw the word, it was on my brother’s cell phone and the “state” or “character” has been with me ever since.

At the end of the day, positivity is a state of mind - a way to live, in my opinion. Always trying to be upbeat and seeing the good, no matter what the situation or how difficult it may be. It is very tough to commit yourself to Positivity, but if you do, you will smile a lot more.

Having said all that, there is something that I would like to share about P&P. It’s a little prayer that I wrote one day and if you are ever feeling short on Patience or Positivity, feel free to use it.

A Prayer for Patience and Positivity

Lord God – you are so patient and positive with us and for that we are blessed.
So much so that you sent Your only Son to die on a cross for our sins.
Tonight Lord, I pray for the same type of Patience and Positivity in my life that You have shown us.
And although I understand that I will not always have the Patience and Positivity that You have shown us, I am strong in my faith knowing You will always continue to bless us with Yours.
Tonight I pray for Patience and Positivity in my thoughts, my actions, my words and my relationships.
In my relationship with You, with my family and with my friends.
Bless me with Patience and Positivity in the face of good times as well as difficult ones – always remembering the Patience and Positivity You have shown us.
I pray for this in Your name through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen

A Tribute to Moms

With this weekend being Mother's Day, I wanted to take a moment and post a little something for all the mom's out there for all the hard work, support and love that they show day in and day out. Without them, I think this world would stop turning.

Be sure to take a minute this weekend to thank your mom for all that they've done for you, whether they live nearby, live far away or if they are in heaven watching over you. Happy Mother's Day to all of you and - There's No Bonz About That!

Thanks for All You Do

You’ve seen me grow up, and you’ve always been there,
Through the tears and laughs, I know you’ll always care.
For all the special times and all the things we’ve done,
I want to thank you mom, you are the special one.

You’ve read countless books to me when I was young,
And when I hear that song, I hear your voice and how it was sung.
Trips to the park and art projects that together we would create,
I hold those memories close to my heart, our special little dates.

You’ve patched up my boo-boos with band-aids and love,
You’re an angel from Heaven, sent from above.
The toughest job in the world, with that there is no doubt,
But you’ve always had a kind word, even when I would scream and pout.

Cheering at games, no matter if the team won or lost,
You always have protected me, no matter what the cost.
Each day I still learn from all the lessons that you teach,
Perhaps the most important you’ve taught me- no goal is out of reach.

Whether it was a kind word or with a little discipline,
I don’t know how to thank you, where to even begin.
You’ve taught me what is wrong and more importantly what is right,
And when I say my prayers, I thank God for you every night.

So on this special day, I’d like to take a little time,
To say thanks for all you do, with this little rhyme.
You’ve always been a good listener and I hope you listen to what I say,
You are a blessing in this world and I hope you have a great Mother’s Day.

You wear many hats – teacher, friend and confidante,
You’ve always taught me to give to others and to never want.
But there’s something I do want you to know today that is very true,
I love you mom and want to thank you for everything you do.