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Becky Leifheit's avatar

This is beautiful, Rhiannon. I am so happy you are finding comfort in knowing God is with you in the garden and everywhere. Love you!

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Rhiannon Tyndell's avatar

Thank you, Mom! I love you :)

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Michelle's avatar

I feel this. I grew up in a very religious environment and married someone from the church. But it never resonated with me. I've found it hard to connect with God and believe in a higher power. I'm quietly a reluctant agnostic.

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Rhiannon Tyndell's avatar

(Sorry I didn't reply earlier!) It's really so hard to believe in anything. I was an agnostic for a long time, too, and I don't know, I might still be. Being agnostic is better than believing in something only because you feel forced to believe in it.

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Lauren Winter's avatar

This resonates with me in so many ways! Levin's story in Anna Karenina is by far my favorite part of that book (although it's all so good). Isn't it true that Tolstoy based Levin on himself, and his own faith journey? I also find God in nature more than church at times. Watching birds grounds me, it's something I do every day. You're a gardener - your hands literally belong in the soil. And I'm so glad you're finding your own doorway, and of course it would lead through the garden. If you inherit the faith of your parents, it's not truly yours (although I think some people try, out of laziness or lack of interest). You have to take those steps for yourself.

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Rhiannon Tyndell's avatar

Thanks, Lauren! I'm with you in finding God in nature more than at church sometimes, which I guess makes perfect sense. And I'm way too contrarian to inherit the faith of our parents, ha ha. Not my best quality, but so nice to have something that feels so much more my own.

I also was way more into the Levin story than Anna/Vronksy (what an asshole)

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Kasannah Greely's avatar

This was so beautifully written. I connect deeply with everything you said. Your tenacity to garden wherever you are and however you can is inspiring!

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Rhiannon Tyndell's avatar

Thanks, Kasannah! :)

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Anthe's avatar

Beautiful article Rhiannon, and whatever spiritual felling you have they are yours in your own way.

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Rhiannon Tyndell's avatar

Thanks, Anthe! You know me very well—that’s exactly what I think, too :)

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