Prune or Remove??

Yellow and purple blooms wiggle. Leaves shiver. A leaf spirals downward. A slight breeze tickles my face. 

After the massive pruning, our lake view widened. In one afternoon, a chain saw and hefty pruners dismantled a crown of thorns and pair of palmettos.

For some reason, that neither of us can remember, Alan and I had planted the odd shaped, thorny bush on the edge of our lawn. It required frequent, careful pruning to keep it in bounds so that we wouldn’t be pricked with the sharp spikes. Maybe we bought it because of the occasional red berries which wildlife ate.

The palmettos had grown naturally from wayward seeds. Their native appearance added a touch of Florida to the landscape so we allowed them to remain.

Over time the plants grew taller and wider which obscured our view of the lake. Selective pruning helped but not enough to keep up with the constant growth. Finally, we decided they must go. 

The hard work of eliminating them paid off with an enlarged lake view. We can now see a blooming purple crape myrtle dancing in the breeze. Yellow lilies shining in the sun. Both had been overshadowed by the excessive foliage. What had begun as desirable had turned into problems.

Life fills with habits and activities which start as small and pleasurable. Over time they can grow and crowd out what is best. Work replaces the family. Habits turn into addictions. Technology overtakes relationships. Some can be pruned and cut back. In other cases, complete removal is required.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Proverbs 3: 5-8 (NIV)

Heavenly Father, guide me in what is best and not merely good. Help me to see the subtle and not so subtle dangers. Amen