Watering the Weeds
Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net (Karen Shaw)
Last week I spent a few hours in my garden picking weeds–a wearying task. There are so many of them! Dandelions are particularly pesky. I don’t usually notice them until they bloom in the middle of my lawn and then I have to dig them out.
I remember as a child the many dandelions in our backyard. My dad offered my sister and me a penny per pick. We earned a few cents one summer day but then gave up. It seemed the pay wasn’t worth the effort!
Since that time of long ago I’ve noticed ‘weeds’ in more places than gardens. There are weedy words, for example, in some professional writing and in my own at times. I think I’ve dug them out during an edit only to find a new crop on the second reading. Every time I let a weak modifier (very, just, really) slip into a story or article I limit the potential of my writing.
And then there are weedy thoughts–opinions and judgments we have about ourselves and others that tear us down and sap our energy and joy. “I’m not good enough.” “Why is she so bossy?” “He is such a pain.” “What is wrong with me?”
And how about weedy habits? Overdoing food and drink, sleep and TV, to name a few.
So the question I’m asking myself today is this. “Am I watering weeds or sowing seeds of love and kindness and courage and health?” Worth pondering.
“Your mind is a garden
Your thoughts are the seeds.
You can grow flowers
or you can grow weeds.”
Jamie Pittman
P.S. I am going on a tour of the national parks in the western states from September 24 through October 11. I’m leaving my computer home to rest. Meanwhile, I have written a couple of blogs for the dates when I’m gone. I’ll reply to your comments when I return. God bless each one of you and thank you for sticking with me! 🙂
The trouble with dandelions is they are so bright and cheery when yellow and so fun to blow on and watch sail away when they are white and fluffy.
Who are you touring national parks with? Sounds fun!
Thanks, Barb. I agree, dandelions are pretty–but! I’m going on the national parks trip with Grand Circle Travel, the same company Mount Hermon used for our Danube River Cruise last April.
I always thought dandelions were so pretty but I guess they really were a nuisance! I had not thought of them in years and do not see them here in Florida~seems strange now that I think about it. Yes, we have weeds in our lives that we need to pull and toss away. You have reminded us of several and I thank you for this! I really do! We need to watch our words, actions and our thoughts more carefully and perhaps now that you have reminded us we will do just that! Thanks, Karen, for another ‘winner’. have a fun trip! Margaret
Thanks, Margaret. I always appreciate your experience and wisdom and I thank you for your warm wishes for my trip.
Beautifully said, Karen. We have a choice – to let the weeds grow until we have to pull them, or to plant those seeds you spoke of – kindness, charity, compassion, love. Thanks for the reminder.
And have a marvelous trip!!
Thank you, Carol. I know that you have planted the ‘good’ seeds in your life because everything about you illustrates that. 🙂
Love this blog post! Yes, those weeds in our thoughts, attitudes, and words can drive us crazy! Like you, I’d rather sow seeds of love and kindness and courage and health! 🙂 Have a wonderful time on your western state tour. We’ll have lots to talk about on the B&S retreat!
Thanks, Sherry. I look forward to being roommates at the bookies retreat. We will catch up then. I appreciate your comment on my blog.
I loved how you compared weeds in your garden to weedy words and seeds. Nicely written. Your leading beginning was a good “hook”. Have a wonderful time visiting our National parks. Wish I could go with you.
Thanks for your kind comment, Roz, and for your good wishes for my trip. I’m excited about it.