A Beloved's reflection

Beloved in the Desert is part of the Episcopal Service Corps with the mission of forming an intentional community for young adults that fosters beloved Christian disciples through service, study, and prayer in the Tucson borderlands. For more information click here.

This week Claire Miller, of Beloved in the Desert Corps, reflects on gardening and growing.

Then God said, “Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. —Genesis 1:11-12

I have a community garden plot at Las Milpitas Community farm. It is part of the Community Food Bank where I work.

A few weeks ago I was able to harvest some of my plants. The swiss chard plant had huge leaves, and some kale and dill were also ready to be picked. I was excited to see my plants doing so well.

I’m regularly amazed that a seed or seedling planted in the ground can turn into nourishing food one can eat. It is magical.

My mom and sister love to garden but my fascination with it is new. When invited by my mom to help her garden, I would often see it as a chore. Looking back, I wish that I had felt differently. I can’t change the past, but I can do things differently in the future.

When I think of growing as a person, I usually think of it as trying completely new things and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. But I think growing can also mean reconnecting with one’s past and investing in traditions passed down.

Gardening has been a way for me to connect even more with my mom, sister, and whole family. As we’re Midwest farmers, I feel like I am participating in a treasured family activity.

Being at Las Milpitas has also helped me really value the earth. The farm is located on some of the oldest cultivated land in Tucson. Generations upon generations of people from the Tohono O’odham nation have worked the land. As a Las Milpitas employee once said, “This is sacred land.”