Gathering and Calling

[Gathering - IV]

My neighbor asked me a gardening question: “So, how do you shape the beds when the soil is full of grass clods?”

I can answer questions about planting schedules, soil acidity, compost application, and microbial activity, and soil salinity, but the sod question is unique. Because the answer is so simple: a shovel and days of hard work. It’s not glamorous or impressive. It doesn’t display my insights and know-how. It lays bare the reality that some jobs don’t require special knowledge . . . just sweat and muscle.

When we gather with people like us that do our work and share our vocation, we impress each other with complex pondering and eloquent dialogue.

When we gather with people that don’t share our work, interests, or passions, we’re brought down to earth. Our language must simplify. Our descriptions made more accessible. And the added benefit is we’re reminded that our calling is sometimes a matter of simply putting in the hard work.

Sweat. Time. Effort. Those are often the (truest) answers. And it takes a diverse gathering to remind us of that.