Thursday, September 23, 2010

a conversation between god & st. francis on nature & human nature

as i watch the suburbanites daily i cannot help but think of this little story about god and st. francis having a conversation on nature and the ridiculous nature of humans.  it's an old one that's been passed around plenty but worth another read because of it's truthfulness.

God: Hey St. Francis, you know all about gardens and nature. What in the world is going on down there in the Midwest? What happened to the dandelions, violets, thistle and stuff I started eons ago? I had a perfect "no maintenance" garden plan. Those plants grow in any type of soil, withstand drought and multiply with abandon. The nectar from the long lasting blossoms attracts butterflies, honey bees and flocks of songbirds. I expected to see a vast garden of colors by now. But all I see are these green rectangles.

St. Francis: It's the tribes that settled there, Lord. The Suburbanites. They started calling your flowers "weeds" and went to great lengths to kill them and replace them with grass.

God: Grass? But it's so boring. It's not colorful. It doesn't attract butterflies, birds and bees, only grubs and sod worms. It's temperamental with temperatures. Do these Suburbanites really want all that grass growing there?

St. Francis: Apparently so, Lord. They go to great pains to grow it and keep it green. The begin each spring by fertilizing grass and poisoning any other plant that crops up in the lawn.

God: The spring rains and warm weather probably make grass grow really fast. That must make the Suburbanites happy.

St. Francis: Apparently not, Lord. As soon as it grows a little, they cut it... sometimes twice a week.

God: They cut it? Do they then bail it like hay?

St. Francis: Not exactly, Lord. Most of them rake it up and put it in bags.

God: They bag it? Why? Is it a cash crop? Do they sell it?

St. Francis: No Sir. Just the opposite. They pay to throw it away.

God: Now let me get this straight. They fertilize grass so when it does grow, they cut it off and pay to throw it away?

St. Francis: Yes, Sir.

God: These Suburbanites must be relieved in the summer when we cut back on the rain and turn up the heat. That surely slows the growth and saves them a lot of work.

St. Francis: You are not going to believe this Lord. When the grass stops growing so fast, they drag out hoses and pay more money to water it so they can continue to mow it and pay to get rid of it.

God: What nonsense. At least they kept some of the trees. That was a sheer stroke of genius, if I do say so myself. The trees grow leaves in the spring to provide beauty and shade in the summer. In the autumn they fall to the ground and form a natural blanket to keep moisture in the soil and protect the trees and bushes. Plus, as they rot, the leaves form compost to enhance the soil. It's a natural circle of life.

St. Francis: You better sit down, Lord. The Suburbanites have drawn a new circle. As soon as the leaves fall, they rake them into great piles and pay to have them hauled away.

God: No. What do they do to protect the shrub and tree roots in the winter and to keep the soil moist and loose?

St. Francis: After throwing away the leaves, they go out and buy something which they call mulch. The haul it home and spread it around in place of the leaves.

God: And where do they get this mulch?

St. Francis: They cut down trees and grind them up to make the mulch.

God: Enough. I don't want to think about this anymore. Sister Catherine, you're in charge of the arts. What movie have you scheduled for us tonight?

Sister Catherine: "Dumb and Dumber", Lord. It's a real stupid movie about.....

God: Never mind, I think I just heard the whole story from St. Francis.

5 comments:

  1. So funny! I just saw a guy watering his lawn the other day and wondered why, since he'd just have to cut it again. lol

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  2. you must live in my neighbourhood! the lengths people will go to keep it green. Even when watering is prohibited due to a dry spell, there are those who go out at night and water their lawns. I guess they feel the neighbours won't really know that they're watering at night. DUH!

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  3. yep, it's a crazy world. i see it every day.

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  4. Hi Earth Earth ~ Your background looks beautiful and I so enjoyed reading the story about St. Francis and God (LOL). I've never read it before , but it's so true , loved it.

    ~ Peaceful Autumn Blessings ~

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  5. I came across your blog tonight, and thought the story very enlightening. Today I was doing volunteer work for our local community garden which is located right in the middle of the capital city of Canada. We spend a lot of time fending off land developers (being on prime real estate), and helping people in the neighborhood connect with the earth. Many are new immigrants who bring different seeds and gardening practices into our 10-year-old, 110 plot green space. I'm an "old Hippie" who never imagined that 'back to the land' could happen in the inner city! All the best in your new life's adventures.

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I sure appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts. I may not always have time to respond or acknowledge them but I do read them all and highly value your presence here.

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