Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. -- Matthew 13: 7, 22
Since temperatures here dipped into the 80s this weekend, I decided to tackle our flower beds. They've been almost completely overrun by weeds and wire grass. I'm not the stereotypical southern gal who likes to garden, and it's been particularly hot & humid...so I've just been ignoring the growing situation (pun intended) and hoping it would go away.
But I no longer had an excuse. There was no more putting it off. I headed outside to start pulling the weeds. I can only described it as an intensely laborious job. I dug, pulled, dug some more & pulled some more. It seemed like a losing battle.
Why didn't I do a little at a time? I could've handled 10 minutes in the heat each day, rather than the hour I put into it...and still another couple of hours to go. But I was content to do nothing, or to focus on other things that clamored for my attention. The things that seemed so important at the time. The things I've now forgotten.
If I'd made a small effort each day to address the weed situation, it would've been so much easier.
If I'd spend just a little time each day straightening my house, it wouldn't take the whole weekend to clean.
If I'd take use a few minutes each day to wash, dry & fold clothes, I wouldn't have to climb the Mt. Everest of laundry.
If I'd set aside a smidgen of time each day to deal with the paperwork, I wouldn't have to climb that other Mt. Everest.
If I'd carve out some time each week to menu plan & follow through, my family would reap the benefits of home cooked meals and fewer trips through the drive-thru.
If I'd schedule time each week to send cards to those who need prayer and encouragement, I'd truly minister to those who matter to me.
My home, family & relationships would flourish.
In the same way, If I would be vigilant about spending quality time with God every day, I would blossom. I'd address the weeds of selfishness, laziness, gluttony, and all the other numerous sins that crop up in my life on a daily basis. They could be uprooted before they had a chance to starve my soul.
I can't have beautiful flower beds without a lot of work. I can't have a beautiful relationship with God unless I'm willing to commit to attacking the weeds DAILY. It may not be easy, but I'm counting on some gorgeous results!
Melissa
If I'd made a small effort each day to address the weed situation, it would've been so much easier.
If I'd spend just a little time each day straightening my house, it wouldn't take the whole weekend to clean.
If I'd take use a few minutes each day to wash, dry & fold clothes, I wouldn't have to climb the Mt. Everest of laundry.
If I'd set aside a smidgen of time each day to deal with the paperwork, I wouldn't have to climb that other Mt. Everest.
If I'd carve out some time each week to menu plan & follow through, my family would reap the benefits of home cooked meals and fewer trips through the drive-thru.
If I'd schedule time each week to send cards to those who need prayer and encouragement, I'd truly minister to those who matter to me.
My home, family & relationships would flourish.
In the same way, If I would be vigilant about spending quality time with God every day, I would blossom. I'd address the weeds of selfishness, laziness, gluttony, and all the other numerous sins that crop up in my life on a daily basis. They could be uprooted before they had a chance to starve my soul.
I can't have beautiful flower beds without a lot of work. I can't have a beautiful relationship with God unless I'm willing to commit to attacking the weeds DAILY. It may not be easy, but I'm counting on some gorgeous results!
Melissa
2 comments:
Ouch! I could have written that post word for word (except for the weeding, I don't do that!).
I'm constantly beating myself because I can't seem to get my act together.
Need self discipline!!
Your post really hit home with me, particularly the part about writing or speaking words of encouragement to my friends and family as I soon as I am moved by the Spirit to do it, instead of putting it off.
When I put it off, I never seem to get around to it....thanks for reminding me that I am not the only one who struggles with this, and for the encouragment to do better!
Post a Comment