Written by: Denise Ann Belista
One of the joys of being in my home during quarantine is tending to my house plants. Gardening is one way that I feel connected to my mother who loves gardening and my ancestors who worked the rice fields. I find it calming to run my hands in the dirt and gently place the plants into pots.
Before moving last week, I thought about where I was going to place each of my houseplants in the next apartment. I thought about their lighting needs and ways I can arrange them so the ones that need more watering are at easy reach.
From the time I packed my plants in boxes to the day after the move, I did not tend to them. I was preparing myself to see some plants that would not make it, stems cut off, or droopy plants. To my surprise, as I was unboxing them, there were many that had signs of new growth - new leaves curled up and ready to make their way out. In the darkness of the boxes in the corner and the swaying in the truck they made it. There were some that lost a couple leaves on the trip, but the signs of growth, resiliency, and hope were amazing to see. It is like they were getting rid of excess baggage so that they can grow.
As I was unpacking my other boxes, and closing this chapter of my life at Garrett Seminary and my internship with the Connectional Table. I started to think about what my excess baggage is. Are there things in these boxes that I can donate or get rid of that are weighing me down? Are there things in my life (relationships, unresolved anger, grief or trauma) that are weighing me down? Am I putting more energy into something that is actually holding me back from something?
While moving, the tangible items were clothes, plants, and a chair that I was able to give to other people. In addition, my time in seminary has helped me reflect on things in my life that have been weighing me down and with the help of GETS Field Eduction supervisors, the staff at the Connectional Table, and through Clinical Pastoral Education, I was able to learn more about myself and ways I can grow from there.
Prayer
God, thank you for the dirt, for the seeds, and plants that reveal to us more of your teachings. Thank you for reminding of us of your ever present love and guidance. Thank you for the people who support and teach us along our journey. Continue to guide us as we reflect on our own baggage and help us to find rest. In your many names we pray. Amen
Denise Ann Belista is a graduating Master of Divinity student from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. As her final field education placement she served at the Connectional Table as the Connectional Ministries Intern from September 2019-May 2020. Following seminary, she will be starting a CPE Residency in the Fall of 2020. She is a certified candidate for ordination as a deacon in the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference of the UMC.