And, HE will give you rest!

     by Joyce Pelletier
​Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good those  who love him, and who have been called according to his purpose. [Even Weeds!]
     This summer has brought about many challenges I wanted to ignore. The weather has been a challenge I despise. I am not a fan of hot sticky weather, yet every year it shows up and puts me to the test.

     After breakfast one morning, I was pondering the task of pulling out the crab grass in my  Iris bed in front of our condo. In May of this year, I put out a request for help in cleaning out this tough grass that has taken control of one of my favorite flowers. My friend Denise joined me in taking on this task get rid of this weed. When we finished, it looked so good. I felt the excitement when the blossoms showed their beauty of blue and purple. I felt thankful for having Denise’s help to get this weed under control.  We worked hard and it was successful. In this purposeful morning, we had fun! It gave a new meaning to our friendship. We had such fun joking back and forth happily putting the tools away when we were done.

     It’s now August and this morning as I sat on the couch contemplating cleaning out this bed of wonder, after noticing the mounds of grass covering the ground with this unappreciated harsh grass. This had to be cleaned up. I got up off the couch, went to retrieve some garden tools to start the “not wanting to do” task. Only this time, I coaxed Maurice to help with this task.  He hunkered in there with me.  We pulled many plants out as well as weeds and dirt and two hours later we finished the job. We now have a new composted irises with a new task, and I venture to say a new Iris bed in the woods.

     I will admit I lost my enthusiasm ended with about 85% completed, but I managed, and only with the help of Maurice, We were both ready to be done. It’s not a perfect job, but it was much better and I promised in the spring when I'm ready to tackle it again next growing season.

     I realized that Jesus didn’t slack off on completing his task on the cross. I did  gave it my best shot, as did Maurice. But at every turn in life there are lessons to be learned. I guess it goes along with aging and aches and pain to boot. Gaining another year has taken that element of courageous optimistic strength then just a few years ago. Since hitting a higher birthday number has taken it’s tole on us. I can see that it means to reevaluate our approach for gardening. Artificial flowers might work, but they are not as pretty.

     Condemning myself for my lack of completion, would not make any sense.  God understands my lack of finishing and the good news is we did give it our best shot. There is that saying ‘Do your best, and leave the rest to God.’ That might help, some!

     Offer God what you can give, don’t be afraid to ask for help, because we never walk alone. Again, I am reminded of the disciples falling asleep in the garden as Jesus prayed the night before he died, asking them, “Could you not stay awake for a short time?”

     Understanding the human condition we are in, Jesus didn’t condemn them, He understood. He knows the human condition. He also reminds us to trust him completely, in all things and don’t lean on your own strength but trust him in all things. Thinking more on where  the focus should be on our journey, like purpose, over failure. What is the most important part of success? It overrates the outcome or multiplying the final result with the purposeful lessons as we walk the path.  

     Spring will come again and those weeds will be there, perhaps a few less, or  maybe I’ll be more prepared to try again. Who knows, I may have conquered the worst of them. There is a time for success. When we take the time to re-evaluate what success is all about and putting what’s really important into perspective provides more success than we realize.

    Our Sunday school kids lead us in our monthly memory verses. They are so enthusiastic and they want to please everyone in their successes, they are amazing! They lead the way for our whole church family. We cheer them on, because they set the example for all of us to give it our best shot. This kind of thing inspires me. Then I might be more successful.

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