Lessons from the Garden: Share or Hoard?

Today, I was struck by the propensity that we as humans have to hoard what we have instead of sharing. One of the things that I have always loved about @bluefinstudios and his gardening - is that he will send out jars of what he's harvested! Whether its jam, or pickled rings for his daughters, or maybe sundried tomatoes (hint hint - gosh I do love sun dried tomatoes! hehehe) He is always sharing the abundance.

But what about when you're one of those people that is worried about not having enough... or running out... and it leads to hoarding?

Have you ever seen what happens when there are way too many oranges on the tree to be picked?

They fall to the ground and rot, and RATS come from all around to make INFESTATIONS!
Have you ever smelled rotting fruit? It's gross.

You know what some farmers do? When they realize that there is JUST TOO MUCH, they call in the poor to glean. The art of gleaning is a beautiful concept!!! The farmers take the fruit that they would need to sell, but there are lots of other fruits that are just slightly bruised, or maybe a bit underripe, or a bit overripe... and the people who would come help out to take care of the land (and prevent the rotting and the rats) win, while the farmers get something in return too!

Symbiotic relationships.

Balance.

No rotting, just sharing, and an environment that blesses all involved.

Check out what I'll show you in the video to see how the garden taught this lesson to me today!