Never too late

It’s never too late to chase after a dream, to recognize a passion and build the remainder of life on that passion.  Even when a physical challenge involving age and advancing immobility dampen the ability to pursue a dream, even then, a man can move forward in a limited capacity to keep dreaming and hoping.

My roots have been anchored in the earth ever since growing up on a farm in central Pennsylvania.  Although I sometimes tend to see that farm life with rosy nostalgia and not enough realistic appreciation for the hard work and sacrifice that was necessary to make it successful, I cannot deny where I was planted and the lasting effect it has had on my life.

Now, in twilight times, rather than regretting opportunities not taken, looking ahead to possibilities still available seems to be a positive course of action.  I cannot turn over 1/4 acre of land to create a garden space, nor can I comfortably bend over rows of vegetables and pick bushels of beans and peas, but I can still tend my 64 square feet of raised bed and container gardens.  It is almost as satisfying and soul-nourishing as those days on the farm.

Today’s chaotic world becomes manageable when sitting by the growing nasturtiums and green beans and lettuces and dreaming of a lush, productive spot of Eden in the back yard.  Personal insecurities which can wreck a perfectly good day become inconsequential when watching the morning glories climb their trellis.  Adding to the beauty of this setting are the butterflies, bees and humming birds which come to visit.

Life doesn’t get any better.  It is then than I realize that the world needs to share this passion for the earth and all the growing, buzzing, flitting, humming inhabitants.  If each of us were to anchor our feet to the 64 square foot space of Eden out in the back yard, then perhaps the world would be a better place for everybody.  Differences could be settled, problems solved.  Poverty and hunger might be eliminated.  Just a dream, you say.  Maybe, but all greatness started with just a dream.