This weekend I spent some time in the garden. Gregg has planted an expanse of soil with wonders - potato, carrot, beans, peas, onion, tomato, pepper plants and more.
The plants are doing their part. Lining up, reaching for the sky, they hold the promise of fruits and veggies on our table soon. So far so good.
No chipmunks, moles, rabbits, squirrels or birds have dug, carried off or otherwise disturbed the space and treasures. But something else did.
Weeds.
I had noticed the pesky green shoots poking through a while ago, and I immediately registered, "I need to get on that." But distraction, time commitments, travel, laziness got in my way.
The once small week nuisance became a larger growth. It threatened to choke out what was important in that space. Still I didn't get around to the chore of weeding. Still I ignored the obvious.
Another week went by, and the weeds now riveled some of the actual desired plants for space, water consumption and light. Urgh. I know better.
Finally, "alarmed" by the take over, I headed into the patch to own up to the negligence. I spent the time in the mire pulling, sorting. Scratched and muddy I exited the garden hours later. Satisfied and yet appropriately admonishing myself, I stood back in wonder.
My life is so often like that. I know the right thing to do. I know the value of maintenance, pruning, caring for the things I value. But things take my attention. And the weeds of neglect creep in.
I committed to more attentive care of our family garden this weekend. But I also committed to a much larger focus... family, friends, service. All need my attention and care so as not to let the weeds of self-doubt, fear, poor prioritizing and neglect creep in.
I need to keep up with the weeds. Daily.
