Letter From the Editor

Growing Through It

I like to garden, but I’m not consistent. I’m guilty of planting a seed and not watering it and letting nature take its course. Whenever I do pick up a shovel, I will say that gardening makes me feel connected to the Creator. I learn so many lessons from the earth. My mint plant taught me not to let certain things out the box – uncontained mint will ransack your whole garden. Basil taught me resilience because it pops up whenever it wants, and you can smell its strength. The hibiscus taught me the beauty of flowering, that is until an iguana eats it. My mango tree taught me not to expect too much as it hasn’t grown an inch in an entire year. My aloe taught me that it’s here for me when I need it.

But the lesson I want to share with you is the one of my tomato. I’ve been trying to grow tomatoes forever and I only get one fruit. I’m not dedicated to it, and I’ll be the first to admit it. I want the fruit without the work and time and time again the Creator shows me that is not the way to go. My most recent tomato plant didn’t get much attention from me. The excitement faded once the seed was in the ground. I forgot about it until it started to grow. And it made me think, there’s something inside of all of us that we have forgotten to water. It could be your bank account, it could be your relationship, it could be your kids. For me, it was my lifestyle. I had got so caught up in my daily duties – going to work, raising kids, being a wife, that I hadn’t watered what made me feel whole.

After the roots took on the tomato plant, the stem started to harden, but it was still very weak due to a lack of water. Until about two weeks later I looked at it and I saw a green growth pushing through. I was so happy to see fruit even though, I didn’t treat it right. I’m so happy to be me, even though I don’t treat myself right. The lesson here is deeper than the soil. It’s actually in my soul. Sometimes you neglect your duties, and you still get fruit, but not as much fruit if you stayed dedicated. I could have been a master gardener by now! Ha! With that, I hope in this summer season you stay dedicated to the fruit that you want to reap. This goes for graduates of high school, college, elementary, and middle school; those starting new careers, and those starting new ventures. You need consistency to cultivate, water yourself and watch your fruit grow.

Rooted,

Attiyya Atkins