FOR THE LOVE OF LAMB'S EAR
Who wouldn’t love the softness and color of the Lamb’s Ear plant? It grows profusely and takes little, if any, attention at all. Perhaps that is why some people consider it a weed. Lamb’s Ear has no herbal properties but is included among herbs because of its medical association with the Stachy plant family. There are a few folkloric references for its uses. The leaves were once a common staunch for wounds during the Civil War and pioneers used the soft leaf for toilet tissue. I am thankful for today’s first aid gauze and toilet paper.
After having a workshop this week in creating Lamb’s Ear ornaments, I have been thinking about Lamb’s Ear’s lack of purpose among medicinal and culinary herb families. A family gives us identity even if our purpose is undefined. It seems our world is driven with achievement. Children are encouraged to know their vocations in elementary school. Retired folks struggle to find fulfillment because we no longer see them as productive individuals. When our purpose is cloudy our families give us identity, direction, and a place to belong. I want to value people for who they are and not just for what they can provide for me. Just as Lamb's Ear enhances any garden, so can we enrich ourselves and others in the garden of life.
Lamb’s Ear deserves more respect. It embraces differences with a gentle exterior, flexibility, and ability to keep growing in any environment. I enjoy the contrast that it brings to my garden. As a free bloomer, Lamb’s Ear enriches all soil types by spreading seeds of grace and beauty.
After having a workshop this week in creating Lamb’s Ear ornaments, I have been thinking about Lamb’s Ear’s lack of purpose among medicinal and culinary herb families. A family gives us identity even if our purpose is undefined. It seems our world is driven with achievement. Children are encouraged to know their vocations in elementary school. Retired folks struggle to find fulfillment because we no longer see them as productive individuals. When our purpose is cloudy our families give us identity, direction, and a place to belong. I want to value people for who they are and not just for what they can provide for me. Just as Lamb's Ear enhances any garden, so can we enrich ourselves and others in the garden of life.
Lamb’s Ear deserves more respect. It embraces differences with a gentle exterior, flexibility, and ability to keep growing in any environment. I enjoy the contrast that it brings to my garden. As a free bloomer, Lamb’s Ear enriches all soil types by spreading seeds of grace and beauty.
RSS Feed