Thyme

“We have no waters to delight
Our broad and brookless vales —
Only the dewpond on the height
Unfed, that never fails,
Whereby no tattered herbage tells
Which way the season flies —
Only our close-bit thyme that smells
Like dawn in Paradise.”

~Rudyard Kipling~

Kipling’s poem “Sussex” weaves its meters around man’s tendencies to remember the land and habits where we were first initiated into our family culture. The suggestion is that even if we are transplantedmiles away from our first homes—tilling new ground, establishing new roots, developing new relationships—our tendencies can cause us to yearn for and reflect on our past.

Reflecting on the relationship of this humble herb haunts us with its broad history, even with its low profile. While common thyme is a perennial that can grow up to twelve inches, its creeping counterpart reminds us that there is a “thyme” to grow down. Set next to larger sprawling species, such as sage or even lavender, thyme can easily be overshadowed. As Shelley Cramm most lyrically writes, “the petite habit and slower growth” of the thyme plant can be “smothered” by more vigorous species (Cramm, p. 1427, NIV God’s Word for Gardeners Bible https://a.co/d/fEmPP1O).

“Growing down” is suggestive of humility, getting down on a child’s level, where one would “listen in order to understand,” as opposed to “listening for agreement” (Dr. Rick Marks, “RelateWell”). As referenced in Matthew 18, “Jesus taught His disciples that they had to become like a child. Their ability to lead was connected to their ability to follow” (Bill Johnson, p.31, Raising Giant-Killers). In the midst of massive accounts of biblical heroic feats, why did Jesus choose a child as the blueprint to show us what the Kingdom of God—Paradise— is like? “Perhaps the more of Him we long for is found in the measure in which we receive children. Taking time for children is receiving Him,” (Johnson, p.32).

“Only our close-bit thyme that smells Like dawn in Paradise.”

This metaphor is carried over in culinary couture so as not to overwhelm the flavors. It harmonizes beautifully with onion, garlic, rosemary or sage. Perhaps this is why the symbol for thyme is associated with one of activity or courage.

Just like a child must have.

Our medicinal thyme plant has curative qualities, both antiseptic and disinfectant, stemming from the thymol which has antimicrobial properties. Its charms were no secret to the Victorians, who would soak their bandages in thyme tea. It has been used as a preservative and a tincture, a talisman against nightmares, and in Egyptian embalming process. Most poignant of all was the belief that thyme filled our own humble Savior’s manger as the Christ child.

And just in “thyme” for this season is one of our family favorites: Zucchini Pie!

Zucchini Pie
1 tbsp olive oil, coconut oil, or butter
4 cups sliced zucchini
1 onion, chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp fresh thyme, or ½ tsp dried
2 cups mozzarella cheese
2 eggs
1 package refrigerated crescent roll

Variations: sauté with mushrooms, substitute with combination of cheeses like Gruyère or feta, toss in fresh basil, a sprinkle of sage, or crumbled bacon.

Line a tart/pie pan with crescent roll. Sauté zucchini, onion, garlic, salt and thyme. In mixing bowl, combine cheese and eggs, followed by zucchini mixture. Pour into tart pan. Bake at 425° for 25-30 minutes or until golden.