Growing up my grandfather always planted a garden. I would help him pick it and of course eat it. From time to time my mother had a garden as well and for several years now I have had an ever-growing garden. I was asked by a friend’s mother to help her plant a garden. I agreed but emphasized that I was not an expert. I have always hesitated to teach something to people unless I considered myself an expert. She assured me it would be fine as I would know more than she did.
Sunday afternoon I arrived hand tiller in tow. Her husband prepared food on the grill and we started preparing the vegetable bed. We tilled the soil and I passed on the knowledge I had which was more than I realized. If I did not know an answer I told her I did not know but could find out. I had an epiphany. I don’t need to be an expert to have knowledge worth passing on. Someone who does not have that knowledge will find value in it. I help them set up their garden and they feed me a delicious meal. I also learned an important lesson about teaching that has application in many areas of my life.