lawn maintenance & other failures of mine

Fail.

I’m pretty sure I get an “F” in the yard maintenance category of life.  My yard is a hot mess. Yard work is not my favorite thing to do.  My motto is if you water the lawn you have to mow it so don’t water it. My yard is natural. Whatever God placed here is all I need.  I even gave away my lawn mower after it sat idle for three summers.  This way I figure I guarantee I’ll never get the bug to have any grass.  I have no lawn mower.  I like flowers and I can manage perennials.  Some landscaping is in my future with rocks and some bushes but I’ll keep it pretty simple.

I’ll save my time for other things in life that are more important to me.   I’m happy with my yard.  After all it’s mine.  Some people are just blessed with a green thumb and it is a beautiful hobby.  It’s just not mine.

Spiritually speaking……

“If the grass is greener on the other side, it’s time to start watering your own lawn.”

I’m not exactly sure where I first heard this phrase or I would give credit to the author. 

I LOVE IT. 

Why do we compare our “lawns” to everyone else’s?  Whether it is stuff, a job, position, ministry, car, spouse, etc.  Discontentment is complaining about what you do have and also complaining about what you don’t have.  Take a step back and listen, really listen.  Before you desire a new this or that ask yourself,  “Have I been faithful with what I have been given?”  “Have I been thankful for what I’ve been blessed with.” 

Before I purchased my 3600 sq ft house with 7.5 acres and more toilets than I’ve ever had, I came from a tiny rental house.  It was maybe 900 sq ft.  There were only 4 rooms.  Kitchen, living room, bathroom and I shared the bedroom with my son.  Now we have 4 bedrooms alone and there’s only 2 of us.

What these two houses have in common, I was just as content there as I am now. Sure I’m excited I have more room to have more friends over and host more parties.  And let’s not forget my scrapbook room.  BUT, I was just as thankful in that tiny precious house that was all mine that God provided for us as I am today.  (and no, I didn’t water the lawn at the small house either)

What I can tell you is it is just stuff.  God has entrusted me with it and while I have the blessing of taking care of it, I will.  If I move in future, all that will change is my address.

Be content.  Learn it.  Strive for it.  If you need to, apply some Miracle Grow.  Just work at it. 

Matthew 5:5 (MSG) - You're blessed when you're content with just who you are-no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought."