I know—it doesn't make much sense.
The gardens are still alive. Flowers are blooming. The vineyard is growing again after being over-sprayed. Business is busy. By all appearances, this should be one of the happiest times of the year.
Yet every July, I find myself feeling tired, less motivated, and emotionally stretched thin.
For the past few years, I wondered what was wrong with me.
Now, I simply recognize it as a season.
One of the things gardening has taught me is that growth isn't always visible or exciting. Some days the work is simply watering. Pulling weeds. Showing up. Trusting that what you can't see is just as important as what you can.
I think our hearts are much the same.
Maybe you've been feeling that way too. Maybe you've been carrying more than anyone realizes. Maybe you've been disappointed by something that didn't go as planned. Maybe you're just tired.
If that's you, I hope you'll give yourself the same grace you'd give a struggling plant in your garden.
You wouldn't stop watering it. (Trust me the grapevines, I ALMOST GAVE UP ON - they were dead looking sticks in the ground)
You wouldn't throw it away because it wasn't blooming today.
You'd care for it until it recovered.
Do the same for yourself.
Take a walk.
Sit with a cup of coffee.
Read Scripture.
Talk with a friend.
Spend time in God's creation.
Remember that not every season is meant for spectacular blooms. Some seasons are about strengthening roots that will support future growth.
Galatians 6:9 reminds us:
"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
If July has been hard for you, I hope you know you're not alone. We're still growing—even when it doesn't feel like it.
With gratitude,
Blair
Gilbert Creek Gardens
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