This wood engraving was created by the British artist Howard Phipps. It is titled Jobbing Gardener. "Jobbing" seems to be British slang for "working to complete a job or project." This fellow is down on one knee (that's where my jeans wear out first) digging around with a hand fork. It's spring; he's still wearing a sleeveless sweater and cap. A couple of great bees are hovering over him headed into the leafed out bushes. His long nosed British water can is nearby with some old fashioned clay pots. A woven trug is at hand while the cat investigates.. That might be a swarm of starlings in the background by the hill. It's a wonderful garden picture.
It seems to me that God made us spiritual beings with bodies — not bodies in search of a spiritual life. And so God placed us in the garden where we could be contemplative, healthy and happy. The Risen Jesus being mistaken for a gardener at the end of the gospel story might well remind us of the beginning of the human story where Adam and Eve were created to take care of the first garden. Of course we often go against our contemplative nature, paving over everything with cement and asphalt, chopping down every tree in sight, heaping up mountains of garbage, using rivers to flush away toxins. We have not learned well.
Recently someone shared something she discovered on Facebook that might encourage or help us to set out in new direction. Max C., writes:
"Did you know that there is a natural antidepressant in the country? It's a Mycobacterium vaccae bacteria found in the soil that humans ingest or inhale when they spend time in nature and gardening. This bacteria stimulates the brain part responsible for producing serotonin. The most passionate gardeners will tell you that their garden is their "happy place" and that the actual physical act of gardening reduces stress and lifts mood. Mycobacterium vaccae also improves cognitive functions, it has an effect on Crohn's disease and even rheumatoid arthritis. The natural effects of these antidepressant bacteria in the soil can be felt for up to 3 weeks. Sit down, get your hands dirty and be healthier."
