I never really pictured myself starting off a blog with a warning about the water here at Southern Valley. But at this point skirting around it seems unavoidable, and I’ve concluded that something must be said, so here goes: There’s definitely something in it!
Let me explain. Between the months of February and September this year, we will have six new babies added to our Southern Valley family. Yes, you read that right – six little ones. See, I told you there was something in the water!
Needless to say our office is buzzing this Spring with extra excitement, not only for the new life cultivating in the fields but also for the new life our work family is being blessed with. Conversations around the office range anywhere from baby shower planning and birth announcements to projected start dates and daily harvest packouts. And sometimes all of those things at once!
Ironically, we often refer to our seedlings every Spring as our plant “babies.” Since we are seed to shelf, we are lucky enough to get to watch first-hand the whole process. We get to see each seed as it’s placed in the greenhouse, nestled in among its brothers and sisters to transform into a seedling. Then each seedling gets gently tucked into warm earth, watered, and — underneath our watchful eyes, some sleepless nights, and lots of prayer — those once tiny seedlings bloom into beautiful plants. It is then that we can see the literal fruits of our labor and prayer; it’s much like raising a child!
I can’t help but think that there’s a reason this season is surrounded by new life in all aspects. After the ups and downs of the last two Springs, I think it’s to serve as a reminder of what’s really important here. It’s not the sales goals exceeded nor the instagram-worthy product photos. It’s not having the latest model equipment or the coolest logo and packaging.
It’s about life. New life. And all the excitement, labor, sleepless nights, and prayer that comes with it. Whether it be our plant babies or real babies, it’s all worth it in the end.