It has been said that anything worth learning can be gleaned from a garden. Flowers are an ancient species, many of which date back millions of years. They have figured it out: how to survive, how to thrive, and how to use best what nature’s elements dish out. Consider the wisdom of the rose: it knows when to wake, when to stretch out its branches and take on new growth, when to bloom and when to go dormant. In winter it rests, so that in late spring it can burst with an abundance of blooms, sharing its aromatic fragrance with the world. Then, dropping its spent blossoms, it takes a siesta to gather energy for the next show. We too, can take a lesson from the rose. Summer is siesta time; to relax, to repose, to recreate. This week I will join my family for a timeout at the Jersey Shore. Like the rose, I plan on going dormant in order to gather energy for the next blooming season. “Thank you!” to fellow musicians Judene Indovina and Tom Reinsel for filling in for me while I’m away. Thanks for allowing me time to stop and smell the roses!
The Garden Saints
St. Elizabeth of Hungary (13th century), the patron saint of roses and rosarians and feast day on November 17, lived only for a short time, but is known as one of the most pious women to ever exist. The daughter of King Andrew of Hungary, she was born a princess, yet spent her life in humble service of the Lord, performing works of charity and self-sacrifice. Because of this, Elizabeth is also known as the patron saint of nurses. Though she held a compassion for the poor, because she was of royal heritage her dedication was opposed by some in the royal court. Once, when taking food to the poor and sick the king stopped her to see what she was carrying. Immediately, the food under her mantle miraculously changed to roses. She continued the role of humble servant, caring for the poor during her short life of just 25 years.
