The other day I was standing in front of my tomato vines shaking my head in disbelief. It's nearly October and they're full of green tomatoes. In my opinion, they should have ripened weeks ago, but alas, I don't think "should have" is a part of their awareness.
Instead of succumbing to my frustration and recounting all the times I would have loved right-off-the-vine tomatoes, I started to meditate on the miracle that is a fruit.
Have you ever noticed that plants don't give up? For instance, from the moment they're planted until the day they die, my vines grow toward their goal of producing fruit. Even though mine aren't ripening, the tomatoes are growing bigger.
I've noticed, too, that I don't hear them wallowing in regret saying, "It's too late for me. I'm old now. I should have ripened weeks ago. What's the point?"
Nor do they second guess themselves and try to become something they're not. They don't say, "If only I weren't quite so plump." Or "Clearly, if I were meant to grow red tomatoes I would have grown them by now. Perhaps I'd do better as a zucchini."
No attitude. They simply wrap their tiny tendrils around the trellis and follow their natural inclination to grow.
It's entirely possible that my tomatoes will never become red and edible. For whatever reason, they seem destined not to sit on my turkey burgers any time soon. But despite this, they feed me in another way, and I pass along their messages to you:
1) You're never too old to grow new fruit (awareness, ideas, projects, programs, relationships).
2) You may never fully ripen in the way you intended, but you may leave a trail of inspiration that helps others grow their own lives.
3) When it comes to the big things in life, time-lines are a goal, not a given. Some people ripen early, some late.
4) There's no need to panic or get frustrated when things aren't happening as quickly as you think they "should." Consider removing "should" from your awareness.
5) Life's not over until you breathe your last breath. And, depending on your views of the afterlife, maybe not even then. (So keep growing everyday.)
6) It's nearly impossible to "grow up" on your own. Sometimes you need something to lean on, and someone to help you reach for the light.
At least my tomatoes provide food for thought.
Here's another thing to think about:
Today is Rosh Hashanah, one of the Jewish High Holy Days, which marks the beginning of a ten day period in which people reflect on past mistakes and ways in which they can repent in order to prepare for the New Year. I encourage all, regardless of religious or spiritual beliefs, to participate in the reflection and contemplate ways in which you can grow more fully in the next twelve months. I'd also like to add some other things you might want to consider:
1) How are you ripe? What talents do you have that can be shared with your community?
2) Where are you still green? Are there areas where you want to grow, but have become stuck? What can you do to move forward?
Happy growing!
L'shanah tovah (for a good year),
Amy
P.S. I just walked out to my garden and saw three reddish tomatoes. In a few days they'll be ready to eat if I get to them before the raccoons do!
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