Lessons in the dirt

I've spent the last two evenings in my back yard pulilng weeds and cleaning up.

Here are a few things I've learned:

1. Neglect breeds bad weeds and means more work.
Our yard was neglected last fall and this spring. As a result many of the weeds had formed a green jumbled mess. A few small weeds band together quickly to form a stubborn weedy-bush that can only be ripped out with lots of effort. A small amount of work daily, would have prevented this jungle-tangle disaster.

Spiritual principle: Don't neglect studying God's word. It helps in the picking of a few small weeds, as opposed to a complete back-breaking overhaul to remove a deep-rooted problem. Like everything, creating a simple daily habit keeps things looking fabulous without a lot of work.

2. Weeds spread.
Our neighbours moved out of the rental next door and the owner hasn't been able to find anyone to move in. As a result their once well-mannered yard, puts it's feet up on the table with it's work boots on, while it belches and makes other rude noises. The weeds on their side of the fence have contributed to the problem on our side. It took about 45 minutes just to yank out the large weeds on their side.

Spiritual principle: Our lives affect other lives. And other people's sins affect our lives. In fact, their sin can even breed sow sin in our own lives if we let it. Tending our own garden, by dealing with things before they become a big problem protects those around us.

3. It's hard, yucky messy work, but it's worth it.
I am lucky enough to have a wonderful climbing vine that loves the chain link fence in my back yard. The bad part is I rather it didn't grow where it's growing. But for the most part I let it grow and creep and climb in relative peace. Last fall I neglected to yank out all the little vines. It took at least an hour just to rip out all the dead, dried brittle vines from between the metal links of the fence.

Each snap of a branch catapulted a rain storm of little seeds all over me. It was like being sprinkled with thorns. My hair and clothes were coated and my bare arms quickly became itchy and uncomfortable

But the result? A yard that looks infinitely better than it did. Two flower beds are ready for planting and our downstairs tenant can now get to his parking space in the back without the use of a machete.

Spiritual principle: Working on our own sins and bad habits is hard, uncomfortable work. It isn't easy. In fact it's downright difficult. But the end result is so worth it. I reclaimed a yard I can use to relax and enjoy the great outdoors (and grow a few plants). The difficult work we do in our lives creates a life God can use.

4. Mosquitos eventually become bloodthirsty enough to bite despite the bad taste of incest repellant.
Disturbing the grass and other vegetation in my yard was like flicking a switch on a neon sign reading: all you can eat buffet. I had prepared for this by wearing pants and spraying myself with repellant. But the pesky critters eventually worked through my defenses and found a few tender spots - like my ankle (ouch!).

Spiritual principle: Getting rid of sins and bad habits can stir up resistance from those around us and even from the elements of darkness. Satan would love us to continue with our faith gardens a twisted mess of neglect. So don't be surprised when you hear a faint buzz...

5. Getting rid of weedy problems is much harder alone.
Dear hubby was working tonight so I did much of my work by myself. The work was extra exhausting. Although I love the time for introspection it is much more fun when he's helping. Last Saturday we worked together to pull weeds between the concrete blocks that form our patio. We laughed and helped each other. And whenever a large incest freaked me out, I could count on dear hubby to relocate it.

Spiritual principle: The body of Christ is a powerful team. Too bad we often turn on each other, rather than offering a helping hand. Perhaps we are too scared to get smudged and dirty. Perhaps the creepy crawlies in our own yard scare us too much to venture into another's yard and help. So sad, isn't it? When God's family doesn't operate like a family - but a club steeped in superficiality.

That's all the lessons for today. I've shower and lathered lotion on my poor irritated skin. Tomorrow I get to plant flowers and veggies. I'm so excited to have a real live garden this year. I'm praying God will continue to teach me lessons in the dirt.