Manageable
It’s been a little over a year since we moved into our new home. One of the things we loved about the house when we bought it was the yard: big enough for our kids to play in, yet small enough to manage easily—especially with our busy schedules. Hear me: "easy to manage" is a BIG DEAL for us! The previous owners had done a lovely job maintaining the house—the flower beds contained perfectly groomed hedges and a variety of roses, and the grass was beautifully kept and weed-free. Shortly after we moved in, however, I noticed some tall grass popping up out of the pine mulch in our flower beds, even making its way up through the hedges with long strands protruding from the branches. I spent several hours trying to get this grass out by the root. Much to my surprise, the same grass returned just a few weeks later, even thicker and stronger than before.
I scratched my head and thought, “Okay… I didn’t spray it with weed killer. Maybe that’s what I need—and more mulch.” While this method lasted a little longer, the pesky grass was back in no time. We weeded again, but then winter came and went, and the thick invasive grass returned along with the beautiful rosebuds in the spring. During the camps we ran this summer, we hired a lawn guy to keep our yard managed while we were away. We asked him about the grass in our flower beds—how we could better manage it, and if he could treat it while we were gone. He informed us that this “grass” was actually a highly invasive weed called torpedo grass, which is incredibly hard to get rid of. It spreads underground with a strong root structure that’s nearly impossible to remove. (Friends, if you know, you know. If you do know, my deepest condolences to you! And if you have any tricks for dealing with this particular weed, please send them my way!) Our lawn guy gave us the name of a specific spray to treat the torpedo grass, and he did a great job of killing it off. While this lasted a little longer, a few months later, the “grass” still came back.
A few weeks ago, I found myself back in the yard, complaining to God as I once again treated this “grass.” “God, I thought this was going to be an easy yard… This is extremely difficult to manage, and I feel like I can’t stay on top of it. And why does this feel symbolic of things in my life that are beyond my control—trials I wish I could pull out by the root? Just when I think I’m on top of them, they come back with a vengeance. It feels like my lot in life, my ‘thorn in the flesh’ of sorts…” I grumbled as I detangled the long pieces from the hedges. And then, I heard God lovingly and gently whisper, “I may not take the trial away, but just like you’ve learned to manage these weeds, I can teach you how to manage the trials too.”
No one likes weeds, but anyone with a yard knows they’re inevitable. They’re part of the curse (thanks, Adam). Some kinds of weeds are harder to manage than others, and some we can’t fully remove. But with the right tools, even the most difficult ones can be managed. Similarly, we don’t choose the kind of trials that come our way. Some can be quickly “pulled out by the root,” but others are beyond our control, and we have to learn to lean on God along the way. Maybe it’s an unexpected diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, or betrayal by someone you trusted. These things can feel overwhelming, leaving you feeling like it’s too much to bear.
Jesus knew we would experience trouble on this earth, and He reminded us to “take heart.” If you feel overwhelmed by things beyond your control, take a moment to meditate on the following scriptures and rest in the peace that only God can bring.
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23
