There are blessings in being close to the soil, in raising your

The warmth of the evening sunlight filtered through the windows, casting soft beams that danced across the room. Outside, the world was gradually settling into the quiet of dusk, the sounds of the day fading into a gentle stillness. Jack sat near the window, his gaze focused on the world outside, but his mind was clearly somewhere else — contemplating something deeper. Jeeny sat across from him, her hands folded in her lap, a quiet curiosity in her eyes.

Host: The silence between them felt natural, comfortable even, yet there was a question, an unspoken thought hanging between them. After a moment, Jeeny spoke, her voice steady but filled with intention.

Jeeny: “I was thinking about something Ezra Taft Benson said: ‘There are blessings in being close to the soil, in raising your own food even if it is only a garden in your yard and a fruit tree or two. Those families will be fortunate who, in the last days, have an adequate supply of food because of their foresight and ability to produce their own.’ Do you think that’s true, Jack? That there’s something deeper, something valuable about being able to provide for yourself, even in small ways?”

Jack: He looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly as he processed her words. “It definitely makes sense. There’s something deeply fulfilling about being connected to the land, to growing your own food. It’s not just about the practicality of it — though, yes, having food when you need it is important. It’s also about self-sufficiency, about knowing that you have the ability to take care of yourself and your family, even when things get tough. Foresight and preparation are more than just being ready for a crisis; they’re about taking responsibility for your own life and wellbeing.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s about empowerment, isn’t it? Knowing that you can provide for yourself, knowing that you’ve built a foundation, even in small ways. Raising a garden or planting a tree might seem simple, but those small acts are really about stability. It’s a reminder that we don’t always have to rely on others, on external sources for our needs. And, in uncertain times, that sense of independence is invaluable.”

Jack: “It’s funny how often we forget the value of those small, everyday things. We’ve become so used to relying on stores, on convenience, that we forget what it means to be connected to the process of providing for ourselves. Growing food isn’t just about survival; it’s about understanding where things come from, about being part of the natural cycle. And, honestly, it’s a form of respect — respect for the earth, for the effort it takes to create something that nourishes you.”

Jeeny: Her eyes softened as she listened, her voice gentle but firm. “And it’s not just about the food itself, is it? It’s about the process. The act of nurturing something, watching it grow, and understanding that you’re part of something bigger than yourself. There’s a kind of peace that comes from that — from working with nature, from relying on your own hands and wisdom.”

Jack: “That’s the part that gets me. There’s a kind of gratefulness in it. When you grow something yourself, you value it in a way that’s different from just buying it off a shelf. It’s not just about meeting a need; it’s about the care you put into it, the connection you make with the land. I think we miss that in today’s world. We’re disconnected from the processes that sustain us.”

Jeeny: “It’s true. We live in a time where everything is so immediate, so fast, that we forget the slow work it takes to cultivate something — whether it’s food, a skill, or a relationship. That’s where the real wealth is, don’t you think? In the things we build with our own hands, with patience and care. That’s what will sustain us when everything else feels uncertain.”

Host: The room grew quiet, the weight of their conversation sinking in. The world outside continued its steady rhythm, but in this small space, the understanding that connection to the land — to nature, to the process of creation — offered a deeper form of security had found its place. Jack and Jeeny sat together, each reflecting on the importance of self-sufficiency, not just as a practical matter, but as a deeply rooted, meaningful choice.

Jack: “Maybe it’s not just about surviving. It’s about thriving in a way that’s connected, that’s intentional. Being prepared doesn’t mean just having food. It means understanding your place in the world, knowing what you can do for yourself and your loved ones.”

Jeeny: “Yes. It’s about recognizing that we have the ability to care for ourselves and the world around us, no matter what happens. Those small acts, like planting a tree, growing a garden, or learning new skills — they all add up to something bigger. They make us resilient, and they keep us connected to the earth, to each other, and to the future.”

Host: The night outside deepened, but the peace in the room lingered. The conversation had revealed something profound: that the ability to provide for oneself, to nurture what you grow, whether in the ground or within your own life, was not just about survival. It was about purpose, growth, and connection.

The evening had ended, but the conversation would stay with them — a quiet reminder that, in a fast-paced world, sometimes it’s the simplest, most grounded things that offer the deepest meaning.