Over the past six months, I’ve spent a lot of time working in my yard—not because it’s beautiful or easy to care for, but because it’s where God unexpectedly met me. Between the weeds, the rocky soil, and a hose that never cooperates, I began to experience God as a gardener. What started as a to-do list to improve my yard became a sacred space for healing and connection with the Lord. I realized that working in the dirt became deeply spiritual. It taught me how God speaks through the most ordinary things—soil, sun, weeds, and even a leaky hose.

One of the first powerful lessons I learned was about the garden hose. If there's a kink, the water won’t flow—just like our spiritual lives. We can be doing all the right things—going to Mass, praying, reading Scripture—but if we’re holding onto fear, shame, sin, resentment, or busyness, the grace of God can't flow through us fully. Leaks in the hose reminded me of trying to give to others while running on empty, leading to burnout, irritability, and emotional exhaustion. God used that leaky hose to show me that healing comes first—before we pour out to others, we must allow His grace to fill and restore us.

Another lesson: not all weeds are ugly. Some look like good plants, even beautiful, but they choke out real growth. Spiritually, that means not everything that appears “good” is of God. I’ve had to discern what’s life-giving versus what’s distracting. Sometimes, good things—like serving in ministry or taking on new responsibilities—aren’t meant for this season. As midlife women navigating change, it’s vital to pause and ask: is this drawing me closer to Christ or pulling me away? By slowing down, praying, journaling, and inviting the Holy Spirit in, I’ve started to recognize the weeds I need to release in order to grow a more fruitful and grace-filled life.

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic life coach, retreat leader, and founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. With over 26 years of experience as an educator, administrator, and Director of Religious Education, she is passionate about walking with midlife women through life’s transitions—especially those that come from unexpected changes in relationships, identity, or purpose.

A devoted mother of three grown sons and proud grandmother of two, Jennie creates sacred spaces where women can encounter the love of the Father, be transformed by the Holy Spirit, so they can magnify Christ in their everyday lives.

Jennie is the host of the Catholic Moms in the Middle podcast and a featured voice on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, where she shares encouragement and faith-filled wisdom with women navigating the twists and turns of midlife.

#154 Lessons From My Yard

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