by F. D. Adkins
Let me begin by pointing out that I know nothing about plants. I do not have house plants, and the plants and flowers in our landscaping are chosen by what I think looks good and not by what I know about them. Hence, many of my plants have had a short life span. Honestly, I think the plants in the lawn and garden section of the store probably cower in fear as I walk past. However, I do know that weeds need to be removed because they take nutrition away from the desirable flowers and bushes.
The funny thing about weeds is that no special knowledge is required for them to grow. Weeds do not need to be pruned at a specific time of year or their bulbs separated, and they are not picky about full sun or shade. Weeds are absolutely maintenance-free if you want them to grow. That being said, my garden is perfect for weeds.
While I was writing the part in the previous post about Adam and Eve, I studied Genesis 3 and made a reference to the verse that says, “…cursed is the ground for thy sake” (Genesis 3:17 KJV). That chapter goes on to say, “Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee” (Genesis 3:18 KJV).
Ironically, after I finished the last blog post, I went out to pull the weeds from our landscaping. Apparently, I did not realize how long that I had procrastinated this chore because the weeds were bountiful. Needless to say, I had plenty of time to think as I plucked away at the multitude of invaders, and having just read about the thorns and thistles, my mind automatically reflected on how weeds were a result of Adam and Eve’s disobedience. Even though weeds are a result of sin, I perceived as I took in the sights in front of me that they are not all ugly. Some weeds like dandelions are actually beautiful. People spend time and a lot of money applying products to their lawn trying to get rid of dandelions, but how many little girls pick dandelion bouquets or stick dandelions in their hair to look pretty?
As attractive weeds blended with my flowers, I had a hard time discerning the desirable from the undesirable, and if it is possible, I think the weeds actually multiplied as I was pulling them. I discovered that even the smallest weeds can have roots that seem to run as deep as those of a white oak. As I finished up, I noticed that the bush at the far end of the house had a mixture of small, shiny green leaves and larger, elongated, dull green leaves. Now, like I said, I am no expert, but I do not think a bush is supposed to have two entirely different types of leaves, so I pushed the branches apart to investigate. I am embarrassed to report that a weed had apparently started growing right at the base of the bush and had camouflaged itself until it had become a full-fledged shrub. So, I went back inside to ponder the two choices. My husband could either cut it down with a chainsaw, or since both the bush and the weed seem to be flourishing, pretend they have created a symbiotic relationship and let it be. I voted for the latter.
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At the end of the day, I often ask myself what I have accomplished. I am not talking about how many tasks that I have completed but rather how have I used the day that the Lord has given me. Will anything that I did today make a difference tomorrow? Most of the time, I would have to honestly answer that question with a “no.” I usually have worked non-stop all day at chores like mopping and cleaning that, when I wake up in the morning, will appear as if I have never done them at all.
While most of us are not actually having to battle thorns and thistles in a garden to provide food for our families, we do fight distractions that keep us from growing in our walk with God and hinder us from accomplishing God’s purpose. In Luke 10, Jesus visits the home of two sisters, Mary and Martha. Mary sits with Jesus absorbing what He has to say, while Martha works on the meal. Martha becomes upset that Mary is not helping, but Jesus says to her, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42 KJV).
I find that all of these daily chores and distractions of the world are like weeds. The weeds start small but before long, these weeds have taken up so much time that they have absorbed all of the nutrition out of the most important thing, a relationship with the Heavenly Father. Each day is a gift from God. It is important to prioritize that one thing that Jesus says is needed. Time with our Savior brings us closer to Him and nurtures our relationship with Him. While work is a requirement, and cleaning and other activities are needed too, we cannot allow them to become weeds. After all, God has a plan for our lives, and if we do not take the time to listen, how are we supposed to know what that is.
I do not want to wake up tomorrow realizing that there is not a shred of evidence of what I did yesterday. I want to wake up to a better tomorrow because of what I do today.
