Deep Roots

DEEP ROOTS By Whitney Nesse

Springtime comes with after he saw my eyes grow traditions — some of them I to the size of saucers and love, others I loath. For my jaw drop as I silently example, some of the tradi- turned around and went tions I love include the back outside. As parents of Easter holiday, pastel col- small children, we saw ors, deviled eggs, honey first-hand the phenomenon ham, farm babies, tulips, that no one left the door letting calves out to the open. Strange how that pasture for the first time happens. and watching them figure out the electric fence, puddle jumping, green grass and allowing the sun to warm my body after so many frigid months. Those I loath include bedding wet animals countless times, spring cleaning, experiencing all four seasons in one day, and mud — SO MUCH MUD. I love when the outside temperature warms up. My kids come home from school and can’t wait to play outside! After so many long, dark, cold months of indoor activities, they are much like calves being let out to the pasture for the first time: running, jumping, tails in the air, bellering with excitement! Their

One of the first warm, muddy days a favorite springtime hobbies include few years back, I came into my house jumping in puddles, finding crystal through the back door (which had clear “rivers” of snowmelt and building accidentally been left ajar) to find mud dams, and wading in deep puddles smeared half-way up the refrigerator, until they feel the shock of cold water tracked all the way through the laun- on their toes as it flows over their dry room, and splattered up the wall. boots. The strictly outdoor dogs had let themselves into the house. Thankfully, Karl swooped in and cleaned it up This year, I’ve been contemplating Easter traditions — specifically those pertaining to the Lenten season. I’ve never purposefully observed the Lenten traditions; mostly because I didn’t fully understand the meanings. In the past, I have haphazardly observed a few of the traditions like attending an Ash Wednesday service or eating fish on Friday nights. For the most part, I participated in some of these traditions because I find comfort in tradition. I find comfort in knowing what is around the corner.

The more I dig into the meanings of the traditions of the Lenten season, the more I find that I have a deep desire to practice them. I find myself wanting to practice traditions — not to bring comfort to myself — but to closely encounter the resurrected King. Theologian Albert Barnes notes that in Bible times, to cover oneself in ashes and dust was similar to the customary wearing of black for a funeral or in times of mourning; having the outward appearance of the inward emotions. For me, observing Ash Wednesday this year was less out of tradition and more from a place of sincerity: being truly repentant with no excuse for my wrongdoings and humbly asking for forgiveness.

Fasting during the 40-day Lent period is another tradition I had practiced in the past. To be honest, when I’ve chosen to fast in previous years, it was not to re-center my focus on Christ. Rather it was self-focused, showing what a good rule follower I was. Funny thing is however, Jesus didn’t die on the cross and rise again three days later so that I could have more rules to follow. On the contrary, he died on the cross to set me free from rules (Galatians 5:1-6). This year, I felt prompted by the Lord to participate in a 40-day fast and have truly found myself desiring a closer relationship with the Lord.

As Easter is approaching, I am looking forward to celebrating all of the Easter traditions. I look forward to celebrating the risen King — complete with a feast of ham, scalloped potatoes, deviled eggs, and the whole nine yards. I look forward to celebrating the new life I have in Christ according to John 3:16 which says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

This year, I am choosing to sincerely participate and appreciate tradition — not to find comfort for myself, but to draw nearer to Christ. Although there are parts of springtime I don’t favor (mud, in particular), I can always find joy in the new life spring offers!

Whitney Nesse is a sixth-generation livestock farmer who is deeply rooted in her faith and family. She writes from her central Minnesota farm. v

Gardening Education Day - April 9

The 2022 Virtual Gardening Education Day will be held on April 9 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. via Zoom webinar.

This year’s program will feature two speakers highlighting the beauty of lilies and hostas in the garden.

The first is Forrest Peiper, a past president of the North Star Lily Society (NSLS), a past member of the North American Lily Society (NALS) Board of Directors, and a NALS accredited lily judge.

The second presentation will feature the hosta. Andy Marlow, current President of the American Hosta Society, and past president of the Minnesota Hosta Society, will share the origin of hostas, how to grow them, when and how to divide them, and the few pests that make hosta growing just a touch more of a challenge.

Pre-registration is required at z. umn.edu/GardenEd22 at least 1 hour prior to each event. You will receive a Zoom link after registration is completed. If you are unable to attend the live sessions, you will receive the recordings via email.

This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v