Hi everyone ~

Today at church our new, temporary priest made a fascinating remark I thought you all might enjoy pondering.

He is a retired psychologist, so he tends to wax psychological in his reflections, but I thought this was quite worthy of notice.

He said when relationships of any kind go bad or hit a snag, we should try not to take a "mechanics view" of the person and see "what needs fixed". As in There's something wrong with this guy or this girl needs a couple of parts replaced!

He suggested that instead of that, we try to take A GARDENER'S VIEW of the situation and person. A gardener doesn't start tinkering with the plant itself when it gets in trouble, or simply throws it out.

A Gardener looks at the total environment for the plant and trys to make sure it is getting all that it needs in terms of light, water, proper soil, protection from pests and preditors, etc.

We never stand there all a-frowny saying "You bad plant!" Nope. We try a little of this, and a little of that, anything we can think of that might make our little plant flourish again!

And along with that, the Gardener doesn't say "Now listen here, Little Plant! I know I am right about you, so straighten up and do what I say!"

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am inclined to talk to my plants when I am caring for them. I say encouraging stuff all the time, even when I am very concerned that one isn't doing so well.

Anyway, I thought his point of view was interesting and just wanted to share the tidbit with you.

Your thoughts?

Merme

That IS a very interesting comparison, Merme.
Thanks so much for sharing it! Sounds like this temporary priest has some great food for thought there! How long will he be there, and when do you get your new permanent one?

Lynne ~ Fr. John will be with us just through the summer, most probably, He is a very cool guy. Maxi and I are tickled 'coz he and his wife are coming for dinner next Friday night!

I have only met his wife once, but I really liked her instantly because she relaxes right down into a laugh and doesn't stand there all frozen faced and twittery. Gotta love a gal who can do that in a roomful of strangers!

Anyway, we are all learning worlds of things from him and I'm telling you he must be good at his work because psychology in general bores me to tears!

Merme

Merme

I enjoyed this, interesting..I too talk to my plants. reminds of the Quote-

"The life of a relationship is like the life of a plant
Growing and flourishing when nurtured
Fading away when neglected"

Not sure who said it?

i like the comparison too!

I knew there was some reason I loved gardening! Great Post, Merme!!! Much food for thought. Sue

All of us gardeners should understand this concept, it is a very interesting way of dealing with life.

Could we not view our children and their ups and downs in life the same way?

Very nice topic, Merme.
I'm glad you shared it.

I never thought about it like that before...

I so agree Like stepping back and looking at the big picture. Not to focus only on the problem but what developed that created the problem what got us there and why , I think there is a difference between over analytical, and getting to the root of the problem.

Thank you for that little tidbit, Merme! It has really given me food for thought over the many different relationships that I have with family and friends...

Your priest sounds very wise...

Dianna

Thanks merme.
i just potted the wife in a large pot, put her in the greenhouse, and threw a bucket of water over her!
sorted

and how is she doing now, markr, flourishing?

I think the other thing I liked that Fr. John said was this:

Although gardeners use a vast array of knowledge in caring for their plants, they tend to look with the heart.

And looking with the heart toward others is probably a helpful thing...

Merme

i will check in the morning