What I did not plant!
Dealing With What I Did Not Plant
Unseasonable warm weather is reviving our gardens. (I use the word advisedly)
New growth on dead foliage is a tonic. Also, it energized me to see some evidence of flowers I did not plant emerging: daffodils. I have work to do! Again, outside chores make me think of personal responsibilities.
Note: I am not taking on anybody else’s gardens – just staying in our own. But that doesn’t mean I can’t pray for others . . . a thought I confess that rarely intrudes when I am snipping and clipping!
New growth in our “gardens” — anticipated or not — reminds me no matter how crazy the times are, working on my own patch of problems is a better use of time than losing my mind over what I cannot control. But that doesn’t excuse laziness.
I am not an original thinker – most all of my best ideas come from other folks’ counsel. For example,
Don’t shut yourself up in a bandbox because you are a woman, but understand what is going on, and educate yourself to take your part in the world’s work, for it all affects you and yours. ~Louisa May Alcott, 1869
However, too much information about the world’s worries can drive me nuts – worse, it is paralyzing in its upside-down and backwards pursuits of happiness.
Better Breathing Lessons
The Bible always seems to have a good word. This morning I read Psalm 12. (Because that is where my Bible fell open; I am not recommending that as a reading plan. But, hey it beats the news most mornings.) I read it first in the NASB and then in The Message. If you check out the links, maybe its insights about the times in which David lived will speak to you.
One take away from this psalm is that man’s lies are as old as they are powerfully harmful. We aren’t helping the hurting by repeating them or believing them.
I’m tired of hearing, “We can talk anyone into anything!
Our lips manage the world.” (Psalm 12:3-4, The Message)
I can’t change what others are saying and believing –but I can pray. And work. And pray.
One – for God to heal the hearts of those who have believed lies – beginning with the one, God didn’t say _______, did He? We all have at one point or another believed He is not interested in our daily choices.
Two – for God to keep me active on my side of the street, being ready to recommend His friendship and help. Nobody is impressed with a hypocrite.
But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what God is looking for in men and women.
It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don’t take yourself too seriously—
take God seriously.~ Micah 6:8
Who knows what my autumn’s garden may bring with this plan?
Am I repeating myself here? YES! Cultivating Civility