An Abundance of Weeds

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

John 16:33 (NIV)

Warmer weather took me out to my weed infested yard. Why do weeks flourish when desirable plants don’t?

            Bags filled as I pruned off dead branches, picked up fallen twigs and yanked stubborn invaders.  The front, back and one side were done first since I see those areas the most. 

            A few days later I decided to tackle the remaining side which I rarely see. With a burst of energy, I pulled on a pair of gloves and pushed my wheelbarrow filled with garbage bags, a selection of shovels and a bucket to the far side of my home.  A carpet of green covered the mulch all along the house.

            I plopped down on the ground and began tugging the unwelcome greenery and placing it into a bucket. Over and over, I dumped the pail’s contents into a black garbage bag. A few fan-shaped plants came up easily. Only a shovel could extract lengthy roots deep in the ground of other aliens. 

            Sweat dripped as I moved inch by inch down the wall. Spiky pineapple blades scratched my arms when I yanked on weeds growing under them. Ten pineapple plants shared a space with innumerable, flourishing pests. 

            When my eyes looked to the remaining leafy trespassers, I wanted to throw my gloves in the wheelbarrow and escape. My back ached, my parched throat longer for water, and dirt clung to my clothes.

            An argument went on in my head. One side said to stop. The other one pleaded to finish. 

            As the squabble continued, I glanced at the portion I had finished. A sense of accomplishment filled me. Compared to what I had done, only a small section remained. 

            A handful of weeds dropped into my container. Since I was already dirty, what was a few more minutes?

            The argument wasn’t completely over. However, the view of my weedless garden inspired me to finish the job. 

In life challenges and obstacles seem crushing. Quitting appears to be the only answer. 

But when we look back at what we have overcome, the future can be less ominous. Encouragement overtakes despair.

When I pray for peace, strength and wisdom, God leads the way. A Bible verse comes to mind. A call or visit brings hope. A sermon teaches. A song calms. 

When my next disappointment or difficulty comes, I need to remember the mass of weeds that I attacked and completed. 

On earth we will face troubles but we have a Helper to get us through. 

Lord, give us peace and strength to face struggles. Help us remember how you have gotten us through tough times in the past.

Amen 

The Disappearing Egret

Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.

Psalm 26:2-3 (NIV)

From my kitchen, I glanced toward the lake. In the cool but sunny morning, the long neck of a great white egret rose above the shoreline. The bank concealed his body. 

            His elongated neck stretched far ahead and bit by bit his torso caught up. The majestic creature stood like a statue as his eyes scanned the dark water for a tasty breakfast. Cautiously the slender neck lowered behind a mound of plants at the lake’s edge. 

            His presence and movements begged to be written down so I spent a few minutes writing in my journal. When I looked up, he remained hidden behind the partially dead foliage. 

            My eyes looked right and left. No sign of the stately bird. Time passed. I stood up and stared toward the lake in all directions. I expected him to pop up from his hiding place. He didn’t. 

            By then I realized the egret disappeared completely. When I put my head down to write, my focus changed and I missed his stroll or flight. 

            The abrupt departure disappointed me since I enjoy leisurely watching wildlife from my patio. However, my shifted attention prevented a satisfactory end to an engaging story.  

            Instead of writing during the experience, I could have waited to pen my devotional even though I thought some details might have been lost. 

            How many times do we become distracted by what is unimportant and miss the truly worthwhile? 

Think of what is most important in your life. Are you giving that top priority?  

Heavenly Father, help us examine our lives and see if we are giving top priority to what is truly important.

Amen