Sisters

Sisters

Have you heard about plant brothers?

I have heard about plant sisters.

A favorite folk tale that's tried and true.

These old timer's ways really are cool.

Who are these sisters in the garden, like kin?

Your favorite vegetables, I imagine.

They're corn, beans and squash -

they really are a must.

These three grown together makes less fuss

as corn produces shade for the squash

and corn is a natural lattice

for beans to climb up, like a trellis.

Above ground you'll see beans tendrils coil.

Below they add nitrogen to the soil.

Corn saves the gardener toil

for its roots aerate the soil.

Just plant a kernel of corn in a mound

then a couple of weeks later in the ground

plant a couple of beans seeds to grow up and around

the towering, fast-growing corn.

Also, plant a squash seed in the mound.

Just leave plenty of space between mounds

for winter squashes to run

before the summer is done.

Three vegetable sisters: corn, beans, and squash

get along with each other without fuss,

supporting each other, enriching each other,

just like sisters who are there for each other.

* * * * *

Two Biblical sisters come to mind:

Mary and Martha, at whose house Jesus dined.

Being the hostess, Martha wanted everything perfect

for she was entertaining an honored guest.

But Martha was soon flustered

and in an outburst mustered

that Mary should help her

with serving the visitors.

Jesus saw that Martha's worry was only upsetting her.

Isn't that true of us? Worry only causes disorder.

Then Jesus taught Martha that for peace of heart and mind

she should seek a time of refreshing by simply spending time...

learning from Him

for peace within.

A lesson still relevant today

to help us cope throughout our busy days.

Yes, everyday there's a list of to do's to be done.

Yes, everyday there are calls of distress to help someone.

But we must fill ourselves with God's love, joy, and peace

by spending time with Him before the day's burdens increase,

before worry takes over,

before self-esteem lowers,

before tempers explode.

Let God's peace ease your load.

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way,

he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.

She came to him and asked,

"Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself?

Tell her to help me!"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered,

"you are worried and upset about many things,

but only one thing is needed.

Mary has chosen what is better,

and it will not be taken away from her."

Luke 10:38-42

 

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