Anticipating Joy: 

Today, enjoy the wait

The soft glow of calendula flowers surrounds Mary, their golden petals radiating warmth and the promise of new beginnings. In this tranquil moment a gentle excitement fuels the joy and faith nestled within her heart.

Romans 12:12 encourages us to be "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer." As Mary prepares for the miraculous event to come, she exemplifies the grace of anticipation, fully immersed in the beauty of the present moment.

Like Mary, who looks forward to the promise of what lies ahead, consider how anticipating life's joys can deepen and add meaning to your journey. Anticipation invites us to cherish each moment of waiting, transforming it into a period of reflection and gratitude. It enables us to appreciate the small wonders that unfold along the way and enhances our experiences.

Sometimes, the future brings with it the inevitability of loss. Mary, like every mother, understood that her child would face hardships. Every mother knows that eventually, her children must take on the world without her. Despite the heartache that such a day may bring, women remain steadfast in accepting the divine blessing of motherhood. Knowing the end, however painful, cannot diminish the joy and fulfillment of this high calling.

As you reflect on Mary's journey, consider how embracing both the joyful and challenging aspects of life can enrich your own path. Her story is a testament to the strength found in balancing hope with reality, savoring the joyous moments while preparing for the inevitable trials. Through anticipation, we learn to hold space for both joy and sorrow, transforming our outlook and deepening our appreciation for each experience.

Anticipation, much like the calendula's radiant glow, brightens our journey, encouraging us to focus on the light and warmth that await us. It is a reminder that life's journey is not solely about reaching the destination, but about cherishing every step along the way. By embracing anticipation, we cultivate a mindset of gratitude and resilience, finding beauty in the journey and strength in the promise of new beginnings.

Behold Calendula; Gardens’ Sunbeam

Sowing

After the frost bids farewell in late spring, toss those seeds into the earth. Choose soil that drains well and bury the seeds just a smidge. A cozy temperature between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit is just right for them.

Growing

Give them room to stretch, about a foot apart. They thrive when basking in sunlight, flourishing even in average soil conditions.

Winter Work

These hardy friends bloom into fall. Gather seeds for next year and tuck them away in a cool, dry corner.

Beautifully Beautiful

Want to sprinkle sunshine? Calendulas are your go-to for brightening borders or jazzing up pots with their cheery glow.

Deliciously Refreshing

The petals add color and flavor to dishes, historically being used in dumplings, wine, oatmeal, and puddings. Used to color butter, cheese, and liqueurs, calendula is also refreshing in both salads and herbal teas.

Crafty!

Calendula petals provide a natural yellow dye.

Superpowers

Calendula accelerates healing of wounds, cuts, and scrapes by promoting new tissue growth. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help soothe skin conditions like eczema, rashes, and sunburns, and it effectively treats diaper rash. Topical calendula cream may also alleviate radiation-induced skin reactions in breast cancer patients.

Additionally, calendula aids digestion, alleviating abdominal cramps and constipation. Rich in flavonoids and carotenoids, it offers antioxidant effects that protect against diseases and reduce inflammation. Some studies suggest it supports the immune system and may help with exercise-induced muscle soreness. Bioactive compounds in calendula, including flavonoids and triterpenoids, contribute to its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing benefits.

DAD WAS HERE 👨🏻🎓 Why ask the calendula? It has all the anthers 🌼🐝

There’s More!

Calendula was utilized in various rituals and ceremonies by the ancient Greeks and Romans. In medieval Europe, calendula was incorporated into magical potions to unveil fairies and was hung above doorways to protect against evil forces.

Because of its habit of blooming in the morning and closing at night, the Elizabethan era regarded calendula as a symbol of earnestness, devotion, and optimism.