Signs Of Life! A Stunning Surprise From The Compost Bin

Imperfection is in some sort essential to all that we know of life. It is the signs of life in a mortal body, that is to say, of a state of progress and change. Nothing that lives is, or can be rigidly perfect; part of it is decaying, part nascent. – John Ruskin

Signs of life emerge in unexpected and surprising places.  This spring as I was contemplating my kitchen and herb garden, I mentally made a list of plants I needed to purchase: tomatoes, squash, cucumber, peppers…..I then reviewed my seed store and prepped the garden beds.

This is the same process I go through each year but with last spring’s routines blown up into a pandemic, this year’s routine seems rather out of sync.  The seasonal rhythms have been dismantled both in the normal flow of goods and nature’s rebellious activities.

In addition to the challenge of acquiring garden plants,  A three-week arctic blast in February has thrown my garden at Maison Steinbuchel into a tizzy.  Some things are “on time”, others are just lazy. 

Seeds chose to remain underground, refusing to poke their noses out for fear of another blast.  The usual April 15 last frost date moved back to the end of April.  May was unseasonably cool and wet. 

Signs Of Life – Redemption From Compost

Part of me has been grateful for the elongated spring, as I, too, have been slow coming out of this long year of forced Sabbath. But then, signs of life appeared sparking new energy into my being:  Popup flowers and veggie plants growing in our compost bin!  

Dozens of healthy tomatoes, melon, squash, and alyssum plants were growing everywhere in our compost.  I was ecstatic.  My husband went to work carefully potting up the tomatoes while I transplanted the others.  Last week we put the tomatoes into the ground – in the rain.  

Overflow And Abundance

In addition to this surprise provision for ourselves out of a place of death and rotting matter, it overflowed to others!  We have so many plants I gave some away and even sold a few.  You see, signs of life are not “just enough”, but more than enough to share with others. signs of life

As we come out of this season of “rest”, I challenge you to look for signs of life.  They will most likely appear in unlikely places and may require a bit of effort, but they are there.  Then, if you keep looking, there will be an overflow to give away.  

Signs Of Life In Leftovers

One passionate aspect of my lifes’ story is seeing new life in discarded leftovers.  I have written about this often. 

Rescuing lost things goes well with rescuing lost stories.  Of course, this flows out of the reality that I myself have been rescued out of darkness and given new life.  

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son….” (John 3:16)

“By this, we know love, because He laid down His life for us….+ (1 John 3:16)

What is your story?  How are you navigating this season of emergence and new life?  Let me know in the comments or email me at:  nhcullen@cfaith.com

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What To Do With Leftover Treasures Rescued From An Attic Renovation

I am a former air traffic controller, pilot, Aircoupe owner, married 42 years to a great guy. We live in a 125+ year old historic Victorian, enjoy cats, vintage anything, precious friends. My passion is Giving Lost Stories A Voice – Giving Found Materials Fresh Form and Purpose!

9 thoughts on “Signs Of Life! A Stunning Surprise From The Compost Bin

  1. Lovely. I am seeing the same thing happening as well. Some signs of life just springing up in Spring. Thanks for sharing. What a beautiful picture of hope.

    1. Thank you friend! Who would have thought that rogue tomatoes would bring such encouragement ? Blessings

  2. Another thought provoking blog Nancy. It’s too easy to look at the challenging and see impossibilities. You have reminded us that we can look at a difficulty and discover beauty.

    Nancy, the last paragraph where I think you’re providing a quote, does not fit on the screen. FYI

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