In the Garden

National Garden Meditation Day | May 3rd

Tomorrow, May 3rd, is National Garden Meditation Day. Nobody knows who started the day, but as soon as I heard about it, a memory arose for me.

This story begins with the song “In the Garden,” which evokes strong emotions, ranging from endearing visions of sacred times with a belief in a loving, masculinized, father-like God to flat-out annoyance at what some conclude as ridiculous lyrics. I never considered the song a favorite, but its relevance for others became poignant when a minister shared a moment of humility after criticizing the song and labeling it bizarre.

During a sermon one Sunday, he shared how he found the song ridiculous, so much so that he had mocked it during a sermon earlier in his career. Several congregation members laughed along with his derision of the song, so he felt content that his attempt at a joke had landed as he had intended.

As he was saying farewell to worshippers, a young woman approached him and asked if he had a few minutes after everyone had left. He said he must have hesitated because the young woman assured him she’d be quick so he could spend time with his family. He nodded, saying that he’d be happy to spend some time with her, and instructed her to wait in the sanctuary for him.

After he had completed his farewells, he walked back into the sanctuary where the young woman waited patiently for him in the back pew. She thanked him for his time and asked if she could share a quick story, to which he nodded and said, “Of course.”