This spring, I was really unsure about whether I would even plant a garden this year. Depression from the loss of my son still hung heavy on my shoulders, and I left all the planning and prep so late that I didn't know if it would be worth the stress of trying to do it.

Then, sometime toward the end of May, I just decided to do it. A couple people gave me started tomato plants that they had in excess, I used mostly old seed (so not everything came up and did well), and I just kind of threw everything in there. But I did it.

And I'm so glad.

The daily and weekly tasks of caring for my garden were hugely therapeutic for me this year. Just weeding, and having that quiet time out in nature was such a blessing. Not only that, because it was my best garden crop ever, it really buoyed my spirits and gave me something to celebrate.

I know that will not always be the case. Some years, the garden just sucks. (Like last year, what with the drought and the grasshoppers eating everything and me not really caring at all.) But this year, my flourishing herbs and giant carrots and surprise petunias all worked together to heal my hurting heart.

Thank you, Lord, for your bountiful gifts. This Thanksgiving, I can actually feel that I have a great deal to be thankful for. And that is something to be thankful for in itself.

How about you?