A few months ago, I bought some basil plants from our local nursery. Even though it has only been a short amount of time, the small basil plants have grown and grown. As I stepped into my garden this morning, I was greeted by the sight of plants, once small, now lush, and towering. Watching those basil plants grow, reminds me of the simple pleasures that life offers us. It's in these moments, in the midst of the ordinary, that I find extraordinary peace.
You see, we're currently in the season of Ordinary Time, a period in the liturgical calendar that often gets overlooked amidst the more prominent seasons like Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. But, just like the basil in my garden, there's something incredibly special about this 'ordinary' time.
Ordinary Time, despite its name, is anything but ordinary. It's a time for growth and maturation, a time for deepening our faith and understanding of God's word. It's a time to appreciate the everyday miracles that happen around us, just like the growth of basil in my garden.
Harvesting my basil is a simple task, yet it's filled with profound lessons. As I pluck each leaf, I'm reminded to be present, to savor the moment. The spicy smell of the leaves, the cool morning air, the chirping of the birds - these are the simple joys that make life extraordinary.
And then, there's the act of using the harvested basil. Whether it's in a delicious pesto, a refreshing salad, or a comforting soup, it brings a sense of fulfillment. It's a reminder that our efforts, no matter how small, can bring joy and nourishment to ourselves and others.
So, as we journey through this season of Ordinary Time, let's take a moment to appreciate the 'ordinary' in our lives. Let's celebrate the everyday miracles, the simple joys, and the beauty of growth. Let's find the extraordinary in the ordinary, just like the basil in my garden.
Ways to Celebrate
Go to your local nursery and buy a basil plant. Basil is extremely easy to grow. Basil likes lots of sun so plant in a pot and place in a sunny window or in your yard.
Harvest some basil and make some pesto. Pesto is so easy to make and has very simple ingredients: basil, olive oil, parmesan cheese, and walnuts or pecans (I use pecans).
I had never made basil before but one of my sweet friends from church gave me her special recipe AND agreed to let me share it with you! Thank you, Jane! It is absolutely incredible! The kids and I eat it straight from the bowl! This is my favorite pesto I have had so far. It is so fresh tasting. We use it on homemade pizzas, fresh bread, or tossed with angel hair pasta. I hope you love it as much as we do!
Jane's Homemade Pesto
2 cups firm packed clean basil leaves
¼ cup chopped nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, pecans)
¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated or shredded
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ tsp salt
Pulse basil, parmesan, and nuts in a food processor or in a blender until thoroughly mixed. Stir with a knife or spoon as needed. Continue adding olive oil until desired consistency. Salt to taste. Serve at room temperature, store in the fridge, or freeze in baggies or containers.
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