Hedges ...by Sr. Julian

When I first came to the monastery some years ago, I noticed the boxwood hedge in the grassy area between the monastery and the Spirituality Center. There was an area close to one end that was patchy and open, so the hedge was not perfectly even. I thought, I can fix this!

So I spoke with Sr. Sharon, who was Prioress at the time, and offered to purchase a couple of same-sized boxwood shrubs to plant in the patchy area. Wisely (although I didn’t understand at the time), she said it will ultimately fill in, give it time, let nature take its course.

Well, it has. Although it did take years. Now our hedge is beautifully filled in, trimmed, and symmetrical.

Since that time I have thought how the filling in and beautifying of that hedge mirrors the spiritual life. At first, the road may have lots of potholes and unevenness. As the journey continues, the road becomes smoother. Not easier, but perhaps in some ways filled in with a deeper stability and beauty.

Our hedge, like most hedges, has two sides. Our hedge curves around back of our tall metal cross, which in the midst of this vegetation acts as a beacon. A beacon of steadiness and light. A beacon illuminating Christ’s presence.

On what we might consider the back of the hedge is our cemetery. Our pioneer fore-mothers rest in peace here. The hedge provides some privacy for these sisters, a sacred space. The space is away from the foot traffic between the monastery and the Center--a quiet place.

Hedges can be ornamental. I remember wanting to shape and prune Benedictine crosses within the hedge itself. Needless to say, the idea was much more creative and demanding than my actual capabilities. I am a dreamer!

Hedges can separate worlds. Hedges can be boundaries. Hedges can provide spaces of quiet. Hedges can be places of beauty.

Hedge(s) is a word I have seen used in other circumstances Do you remember the cigarette brand Benson & Hedges? Certainly a different kind of hedge. No doubt a proper name. These cigarettes are named gold, green, blue or silver. Some of those colors you might see in a hedge.

How about hedging your bet? Minimizing your risk, not making a single choice, protecting yourself against a loss. A hedge can be a form of protection--keeping out the unwanted. Standing between a busy road and a house, a hedge can provide some safety while reducing disquieting noise.

Do you have a hedge? What does it look like? Have you thought much about your hedge? What colors shimmer inside of it? Does it create a beautiful landscape or facilitate quiet? Does your hedge act as a boundary?

If you don’t have a hedge, consider making one. Purposely choose its color scheme. Determine what, if any, boundaries it might create. What do you want the hedge to separate? Do you want it to be simple or more ornamental? Are you wanting a quiet and private space that a hedge could provide?

Does the hedge mirror in any way your spiritual life? Steady? Quiet? Protective? Simple or elaborate? Growing?

Hedge your bet with a hedge.