Vigen Guroian teaches theology and ethics at Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland. As an Eastern-Orthodox Christian, he believes that his garden has been a spiritual teacher giving him "insight into the cycle of the church year." The meditations here include pieces on Lent, Pentecost, Transfiguration, and Christmas.
Guorian sees his experiences in the garden as a retreat — a time to collect himself as he does in prayer. The process of tilling the soil speaks of the dynamics of life and death. He is practicing humility when he drops down to his knees.
"God gives us these growing things as signs and symbols of his redeeming love for the whole of creation." The garden is a place where we can taste paradise. It also, according to the author, enables us to see ourselves as God's garden. Thanks to the miracle of divine grace we can open our petals and shine with beauty.