Today is a day we should take a few moments to express our thankfulness, whether it’s for our full bellies, the company we keep, our health or the memories of departed loved ones.

Reserving time to give thanks can be challenging when our consumer society skips right from Halloween to Christmas.

Take a deep breath. Focus.

Let’s take a minute to think about the elements that keep us grounded – like gardening and the earth that feeds us. Without them, there would be no Thanksgiving feast.

I’ve asked some Lawrence residents to share the ways in which the garden brings them gratitude. May they help us reflect on what might otherwise be forgotten in the holiday whirlwind.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to

garden, though my shady lot makes fruits and vegetables impossible. I have learned to embrace my shade finally, and that has been a good lesson. ‘Bloom where you are planted’ is a good motto for everyone. My husband and I enjoy the

garden and our time together; it is good for our souls. Even after 39 years together, we still think we are quite young… until we spend a day digging!”

– Kathy Bruner, chair of Clean Air Lawrence

“The opportunity to be in the outdoors is welcome at any time. The soil represents the most basic connection with the Earth. I am thankful that I have a beautiful place to work. I give thanks to God for the opportunity to work in the garden and for his creations – not mine. It’s easier to feel spiritual in the garden. The old saying about us not owning the Earth but merely borrowing it from our children is very true.”

– Debby Hird, Lawrence preschool teacher

“Personally, I’m thankful for Margarete Johnson. She brings unlimited energy and enthusiasm to play in creating our Monarch Waystation and pollinator garden. It is a wonderfully robust and rich and enthusiastic garden that attracts a growing list of birds, butterflies and pollinators. Included this year were two butterflies that I had not seen in the wild in my previous 39 years in Lawrence. These butterflies were present because of Margarete.”

– Chip Taylor, Kansas University professor of insect ecology and founder of Monarch Watch

“I planted a garden with my two sons to help them appreciate how difficult the task is and give them a sense of gratitude for the farmers who worked the land and plants to give us the food we need to live and stay healthy. I think being thankful for the Earth is another way of appreciating the great things that God has given us and that if we treat the earth well, just like animals and people with kindness, that they can all be great assets and do wonderful things for us.”

– Justin Anderson, Lawrence dentist

“This is going to sound very childlike, but I am still blown away that a tiny little seed can grow into a cabbage or a tomato or a coneflower. To me, it is evidence that the world is abundant and that all our wars and he-man posturing are so unnecessary. These little seeds and soil produce everything we need. We don’t need to horde it or take more than our share. It’s all there. I just love that, despite the fact that I never put on the right fertilizer or follow tips like I’m suppose to, the seeds and plants keep on growing. They’re much bigger than me. And I love it that nature keeps coming up through our manmade efforts, like concrete. Working outside, getting my fingernails dirty, I always feel better about whatever petty little thing I thought was so important.”

– Pam Grout, Lawrence writer

“After the heavy physical work of gardening is completed and I get my hands in the soil, it becomes something of a meditative experience. There is also an historical dimension connecting me with other persons who have shared this experience for generations. Lovely!”

– Ardith Pierce, part-time KU instructor

“The earth is literally the foundation upon which we live. We need to be grateful and not take it for granted.”

– Carla Rasch, Washburn University registrar

“I am thankful for the space to be able to create and fill an area with color and life. A perennial is such a loving friend. They always come back to you year after year, and you can share them with others. Here is to good soil and the energy to make it come to life!”

– Ruth Hughes, Lawrence travel consultant