I remember when I first joined gardening, I was assigned to remove the weeds that had overgrown in the garden. Hence, week after week, I would take a spade, place the bottom tip of the blade right next to the stem and press down vertically to push the blade into the soil and then tilt the spade downwards towards the ground to pull the whole root out. Sometimes, I would use my hands to pull out the weeds instead. To me, that wasn’t a simple task!

So why do we need to remove weeds? Because weeds are known to be plants that are growing where they are not intended; weeds invade and destroy the habitats of other plants, weeds compete with other plants for space, water, nutrients and sunlight. And weeds may attract unwanted insects, pests causing disease to the plants. In short, weeds are troublesome and not desired for the growth of plants.

In the parable of the sower, Jesus explains to his disciples that a seed that falls among the thorns is like those who hear God’s teaching, but they are choked by the worries, riches and pleasures of life that keep them from growing and producing good fruit. Just like the weeds that grow in the garden, I realise that distractions are the weeds that grow in my mind and heart even though I did not invite them into my life. Every time I remove the weeds, I am reminded that I need to remove the distractions in my life, such as my worry about my mother’s deteriorating health, my anxiety about assignments and submissions (though we are only into the first week of the semester!), my fear about my future vocation, and many other stumbling blocks in my life that lead me to move away from God.

With this realisation, taking part in gardening is no longer just about clocking community hours. It becomes an intentional effort to overcome these distractions. Along the way, the Gardening experience leads me to appreciate nature, God’s creations more closely. Theological reflection draws me closer to God and most importantly, helps build a solid foundation to care for the creation entrusted by the Creator. In Genesis 2:15, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” That is, to serve, to provide watchful care and preservation of the earth. Psalm 121 reminds that our help comes from the Lord who unceasingly watches over his people. Therefore, I see it also as a responsibility to serve and watch lovingly over God’s creation, in this case, the TTC garden.

Nothing is sweeter than harvest time. I remember the papaya soup at the Culture night, the vegetables salad and drinks during community lunch, the peppermint that soothed my throat, just to name a few.

To me, gardening is also a practice of spiritual formation. From removing weeds, watering plants, adding fertilizers, to harvesting, I am in communion with God who is the source of life. Should there be no unforeseen circumstances, I will be graduating next May. Then, to summarize my journey in TTC, I trust that I could boldly declare then that I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith. Amen!

By Ong Bee Keow (MDiv 3)