Gardening has never been my strongest skill. I’ve always appreciated its beauty and value, the power of learning about God’s goodness and the slow, steady nature of growth. I understand all of that. And yet, my thumb still isn’t very green.
But this summer, I had the chance to dig into the earth, quite literally, alongside our kids and volunteers. And in that dirt, I’ve uncovered some of the most beautiful lessons about life, God’s love and provision, and the quiet power of consistent support.
Here are the top three lessons the garden has taught me this season:
1. Community is Essential
This summer, the garden has become a hub of excitement, learning, and connection for our residential students and staff. We’ve dug in the dirt, planted seeds, watched them bloom, and shared meals and laughter under the trees beside the garden beds.
Whether we were preparing veggies for our campus CSA boxes or making tacos and smoothies with fresh ingredients, the power of community has been front and center.
I’ve watched hands jump in to water plants while others harvested. I’ve heard voices encouraging friends in the heat: “You’ve got this!”
In the early mornings, as I’ve pulled weeds alongside dedicated volunteers, I’ve heard stories of why this space matters—how it’s been a place for connection, healing, and love. Over and over, I’ve seen how essential it is to grow together.
2. There Is Power in Slow and Steady
The garden has been a masterclass in patience. From watching seeds sprout in little greenhouse cups back when it was still cold out, to weeding beds that seem to get taken over again overnight—we’ve had to wait and trust the process.
Patience is not my strong suit. And yet, in this garden space, I’ve been learning, alongside kids who are just as impatient as I am, that sometimes growth comes slowly.
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. But when we wait it out, when we stay consistent, magic blooms.
We’ve celebrated tiny marigold sprouts turning into strong, sun-drenched flowers. We’ve cried and laughed over the surprise of real, thriving tomatoes. And we’ve shared in the joy of kids yelling, “These peas are actually good!” or teasing me with, “Ms. Meg, are you sure this will grow?”
The chaos, the waiting, the joy—it’s all been part of the learning.
3. God Will Provide
The greatest truth the garden has reminded me of is this: God always provides.
From unexpected rainstorms watering the beds just in time, to entire cottages volunteering to help with harvest and watering—God’s provision has shown up in real, tangible ways. Tomato plants overflowing. Potatoes pushing up through the soil. Corn, flowers, and laughter in abundance.
But more than that, God’s goodness has shined in small, sacred moments. Parents and children stopping by on a weekend to tidy the greenhouse as a surprise. Volunteers showing up before dawn to weed and water alongside me. These acts of love—quiet but consistent—are reminders of God’s deep care.
The garden has become a place of abundance. Not just of food, but of fellowship, friendship, and unwavering support.
Just yesterday, I stood in the garden, sweat dripping down my face, surrounded by kids picking fresh flowers to craft bouquets for their cottage tables—grins wide and hearts full. And I felt it all over again:
This space up on the hill is holy ground.
A place to grow. A place to connect.
A place to be reminded, through every season, that we are deeply loved and never alone.
