Gloves and Gardening

Over the years, I have had many people ask me why it is that I don't use gloves with all the gardening I do. Other than liking the feel of the dirt in my hands, I never really knew the answer until today.

I don't wear gloves because they are uncomfortable and cumbersome. I compare that to this physical body in which we inhabit. Sometimes, this body, feels like a barrier between myself and God.

I have spent quite a few hours out in the garden this weekend. I have weeded, planted, transplanted and watered. I sit here and type, my hands sore and rough. My nails show the abuse of the dirt in which they have been immersed. Through digging in the dirt, I touch and feel it's coolness. I stop from time to time to watch the birds stop and drink from the fountain and listen to their song. I feel the gentle breeze on my skin and both the sun and a few rain drops on my face. I smell the lilacs that are in bloom as I walk by.

This is what I have learned...
I have heard God in the songs of the birds.
I have smelled God in the flowers of the lilac.
I have felt God's gentleness on my skin in the breeze and the rain drop.
I have seen God as I step back and look at the wonder and completeness of the beauty.
And so without gloves, I, without barrier, have truly touched God.