There’s the ever so subtle shade of auburn dusting across my garden hedge, a deepening red blush on the apples in the orchard too. From my couch by the window, I catch the aroma of crops being harvested from the fields nearby. I watch a squirrel darting across my yard numerous times a day, frantically gathering and hiding his winter cache.
I can make these couch observations because that’s where I am – on my couch by the window. Recovering from knee replacement surgery doesn’t really allow for too many other options. The days have been long and painful, but I keep reminding myself; it’s all part of recovery. It certainly gives one the opportunity for contemplation.
Prior to surgery, I was advised to strengthen the muscles that support the knee as that would greatly assist in recovery. Also, take time to rest and have the proper resources in place so life would run smoothly once home from hospital. Rest is a tough call for me. With one eye on the calendar, I was in high gear making lists, freezing meals, all to prepare for days I would be immobile. I was pushing myself to the gym, giving it all I had. Surgery was rescheduled to another date, two weeks later. Great – two more weeks to go like crazy and get things done. Only to arrive at that date and be told, “Sorry, we must cancel. It will happen two weeks from now.”. Two more weeks of hectic activity.
The problem with wringing that last bit of endurance from my body before facing surgery is you’re running on empty, no reserves to deal with the emotional, physical trauma. Herein is the first rule of the harvest I’ve learned from my couch: save enough seed for future planting. Don’t burn up all your energy in the present crisis because there will be more required of you as life unfolds. In ancient times, this was referred to as the harvest seed. It was not to be eaten but safely kept for planting, providing for future needs. Honour your energy, pacing, saving strength for the task ahead.
Have you spent time growing social connections? Are you cultivating friendships you have made over the years? The past month has brought a steady stream of cards and casseroles to my door. I’m humbled and deeply grateful for every expression of kindness and concern. Asking for help is not something I’m comfortable with. Spontaneous gifts arriving at my door lifted that burden for me. A second harvest thought: friendships are gardens we nurture. They are well worth tending, caring for over the years. These are reciprocal relationships of generosity, bringing rich, long lasting bounty to our lives.
The weeks and months ahead will require discipline. Physio sessions are grueling but necessary in getting my muscles back to good strength. I’m looking forward to going for walks again, baking bread, drinking Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks. I would hope I can return the favour of caring for friends who might be in need when it’s their turn. My third observation regarding harvest: provision is never just a dead end for personal consumption. It is designed to create a self-sustaining cycle of future abundance. Whatever nourishes my being, bringing me into a place of wholeness, also provides the means to meet the needs of others.
While we go about the season of harvest, pulling up the garden, canning fruit and storing produce, guard that small seed of strength and resilience within you. Even if you’ve been through life’s devastation or drought, that tiny seed is the guarantee of a future, life restored to you. It’s the promise you’ll flourish again in new seasons.
Happy Harvest everyone
