April 25, 2013 - The Trash Vines

I love the cool temps and the beautiful colors that are popping up in my yard. I am such a "color girl" that all these bright displays of grandeur bring a smile. I don't necessarily enjoy digging in the dirt, but I enjoy the end result. As I was working in the yard over the weekend, another truth moment emerged. Those of you know me personally know that I am a freak about clutter and disorganization. Even in my yard, I cannot tolerate the life being drawn from things because of vines, dead leaves and debris clinging. I know the plants don't have feelings, but the sight of such puts a pain within me. I said a dozen or more times this weekend, "this plant deserves a chance to live," as we dragged the old "fixtures" from the new growth. One of the cleaning sessions was especially tough and while I used a rake, my husband used a blower. It took us almost 10 minutes on one bush to bring freedom and offer a better life. My husband was more than willing to let nature take it's course, but I kept saying, "it deserves to live and without these choking vines." The bush was mature, quiet large, and had no way of detangling the lines which served as a perfect net for the dead leaves and debris. Somewhere within me I felt an obligation to offer the plant what it could not accomplish for itself - freedom. The longer we worked and the more free the bush became, the more understanding came to my heart. Often life's circumstances serve as a net to tangle our very existence. The storms of life blow with their dead leaves and debris specifically designed to encourage us to go the way of nature or accept that those growing older should eat what they want and not worry about their weight or health, or that movement isn't critical to survival. Once we begin to embrace that trash, we quickly find the net tightening. Eventually the truth seems so unattainable we are often forced to embrace defeat whether we chose to or not. Life is hard and choices are sometimes harder. Here's what I think - as soon as the first vine tries to entangle our lives, we fight for our freedom. If we don't welcome the first vine, the others might not feel so welcomed. If I don't get my water in one day, I fight harder the second day to not allow that "vine of trash" to grab this body again. If I don't eat enough veggies one day, I grab that vine and eat more salads the next couple of days. Do you see the truth here? I would like to challenge you today to quickly examine your health and see which "vines" you're accepting that, if left unattended, could potentially recreate the net you've been fighting against. Deal with the vines today and flower in freedom as you move forward. You can do it. One vine to defeat is much easier than 100. I think so. Our next family Life Group is the first Sunday night in May and it's a grilling experience. My granddaughter Kailey will be here to speak with any little bitty folks who need to be encouraged that they can make life-changing health choices at 10. She is excited to share a few recipes and talk. We grown folk will be outside so wear your shorts, bring your meat to grill and a side dish, and the bug spray. Please let me know if you and your family is coming so I can make certain we have enough chairs. PK