This is a little late in coming (especially that we are in Florida now), but for the latter half of November we were all over the awesome state of Alabama, where we met many interesting people. One of these couples I’d like to tell you about. Charlie “the Waving Man” and his wife Cheryl were strangers to us at first. Someone gave us their number and suggested that we visit them. Even though we gave short notice, they welcomed us with kindness. It was an amazing visit!
A garden of wisdom
We dance round in a ring and suppose, but the secret sits in the middle and knows. – Robert Frost
Charlie and Cheryl live on a somewhat remote, rural property where they do organic gardening, chickens and various permaculture projects – all on just 3 acres. They call their simple place “the Secret Garden,” which immediately intrigued me. For personal reasons, it’s always been a favorite term of mine.
Now when they bought their property 8 years ago, the house and yard was dilapidated and there was no garden. Many people thought they were crazy. But now it is flourishing with life! Organic life too, the way it was originally intended. We were surprised for late November to see so much of it in bloom.
Speaking of organic, as they were showing us around, we paused at a row of Bok Choy (like a cabbage) that had a lot of holes from being eaten by bugs. Vinny shared how most people turn their noses up at imperfect plants and fruit, deeming them sub-par. But some more informed people and cultures trust such imperfections. It is a sign that the food is ‘real.’
“Yes, and this is an insight into true theology!” Charlie responded.
“Oh, how so?” Our interest was piqued. We were early into our walk and did not know that this man was a thinker along this line!
Charlie explained that when the Bible talks about perfection, and “being perfect,” it does not mean being flawless. The word and idea behind it is maturity. This means, despite the often fatalistic mentality otherwise, “perfection” in this life is possible!
We continued to talk about this insight as we walked around the garden more, and the beauty and simplicity of this truth really opened up to me. It seemed to be in stark contrast to my experience with man’s religion – the type that makes spiritual life overly complicated. At its core there is a focus on doing good deeds to please God, and being useful to Him. When all along, nature teaches us that growth and maturity comes when we simply “abide” in Christ’s life and “let nature take it’s course.” Artificial and toxic methods to be more healthy and perfect (you can fill in the blank here with any number of things) is to tamper with and frustrate the outworking of divine, natural life that simply comes by faith, and peaceful yielding to His life inside us. And as for the “bruises, worm holes and dirt” of organic life? There is no fear of being disqualified. For those abiding in God’s garden in the midst of this world, it’s just part of what happens. Our weaknesses and failures are more a sign of being real than anything! The most life-giving people are not those who hide their “battle scars,” but despite them and even with them, grow and mature naturally as they were intended.
Life and life more abundant
“And the secret garden bloomed and bloomed and every morning revealed new miracles.” – Frances Hodgson Burnett
As it stands, the “secret garden” we visited this day had no sign out front. Charlie and Cheryl don’t seek visitors to their humble place – or even blog for that matter. But people (like us) come to visit it through word-of-mouth. Some are sick and want to learn how plants can help them get better. And people in the local area – a staunch bible belt region – are warming up to them, too. With amusement I noticed about a half-dozen cars drive by when we were in the front yard talking, and each one beeped and exchanged a knowing wave with Charlie. We found out that day after day, Charlie would walked the perimeter of his rural property meditating, and whenever a car passed by he waved at them. After years of doing this everyone in the area now knows him as “The Waving Man!” It was a whimsical look at a small way that love cannot be contained, even in a more isolated area. Like a garden enclosed, life has a way of overflowing any and all walls. :-)
A glimpse into what’s possible
We are very thankful for our time spent with Charlie and Cheryl. It was a simple, yet magical afternoon that only helped to confirm that “going back to the garden” is not just a dream, but a reality. God did not leave us without hope. Hope is in the Seed.
To Life!
Pamela
Pam, I think I already told you in the past, that you have a definite talent for writing!
I love this piece!