Beans

As part of my daughter’s science studies we put some dry beans I had in a wet paper towel in a jar. About a week later we were much impressed to see their growth. They are thriving. Roots are implanting into the paper towel and are tangled together. There are baby leaves starting on the green tinged bent stems. My daughter was excited and wanted to put them into the ground. I had briefly felt the same looking at them. But I told her, these seeds are not likely appropriate for this climate. Even if they did, by some chance, do well and grow into large plants, they would take precious space and nutrition from our other plants that we planned and have growing in our garden already. There is also no way to know if they would produce beans that would be fit for eating.

There is a parallel to this in my life. What do I want to spare my time for and expose my thoughts and soul to? Whether it’s harmless, fruitful, or a invasive, is it worth planting? I’ve found myself rejecting of late things that seem full of life, exciting, with much potential. I’m finding a mere affinity isn’t enough reason to sow a seed in my life. Purposeful living can be brutal.

Anyway, I encourage you this Spring to start some seeds like this and let your kids study them as life begins. An experience like this is worth more than pages and pages of some science textbooks. Oh, but use seeds that you’ve planned to grow. 😉

I know this is a different post for me. I’m frequently spoken to by nature like this and really want to start a nature journal. For now I dumped this tidbit here. Enjoy!