Like the wounds from ice storms, the damage in our yard and flowerbeds from heat, drought and age needed tending.1 While we enjoying a respite from the heat, our lawn and garden were not. Huge splotches of brown grass, burned, browned leaves, and expired potted plants were evidence they had endured weeks of 100+ temperatures and zero precipitation. And the failure of our automated sprinkling system’s timer was almost one trial too many.
Our lawn lady came to survey the damage our plants, trees, and lawn sustained she pointed out that our lawn, trees and plants were showing clear signs of stress caused by heat and drought.
The plants are stressed?
Apparently, they can lose their charm as fast as I lose mine when given too much of one thing and not enough of another. Good grief . . . is stress pervasive or what?
Stress is simply a reaction to a stimulus that disturbs our physical or mental equilibrium. In other words, it’s an omnipresent part of life. . . . You may not be able to control the stressors in your world, but you can alter your reaction to them.2
The wonder of stress is that it can a useful, good force – developing courage and endurance; refining our rough edges, and enlarging my compassion. Or, it can wear me out, making me feel like our lawn looked: fried!
Concomitantly, as I was absorbing the reality we will be replacing more than plants, i.e. the controller for the sprinkler system – I read my friend’s blog, how am I choosing joy today? 2
I hate questions like this when I am getting dressed for a pity party.
And then, via email more reminders of stress reducers: I got a thought for the day:
God provides the blueprint, the tools, and the power; the rest is up to us.
So, how do I embrace what I don’t want, and let go of what I never thought I could live without?
In the words of our daughter: Breathe . . . And look for the blueprint.
Proverbs, part of God’s blueprint, urges I be teachable and diligent looking for wisdom, for God gives it. And He is as a preserving shield, Who guards and delivers me from those whose paths are crooked.( Proverbs 2)
God left His Spirit, His word, and He enables sound teaching and fellowship. When I take the time to peruse the blueprint, examine the tools, and plug into His power, He makes a way.
To will what God wills is the only science that gives us rest.~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Footnotes
3 Trials