Weeding and Trimming

It is that time of year when I go outside and survey my gardens. The spring flowers have already popped up with their welcoming colorful blooms. I like to walk around the yard and see the growth. But along with those bright spring flowers come the weeds and grass growing where it is not supposed to be. So, the next step is the weeding and trimming. My bushes near the house needed attention this spring. They were getting overgrown and spreading out too much. Weeding and trimming is definitely not my favorite activity, but it gives me time to evaluate and reflect.

I find my spirit and soul need the same attention as my garden. Weeds can grow there just as fast as in my flower gardens. Some things need to be cut back on in my activities from time to time to make room for new things. I often need some attitude adjustments and to focus more on serving others. Reflection brings these areas to mind.

Holy Spirit is a wonderful Gardner and knows exactly what to trim and weed out of my life. Jesus instructed us in John 15:1-2, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the Gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

Although pruning feels like you have lost something valuable, the truth is that pruning prepares you for increase and growth. Growth you would never have had without cutting something off. I feel a little bad when I look at my bushes now. They look a little scalped.  I trimmed them a lot, but I know that in a few weeks they will look fuller and lush again.

When we go through trials and testing in our lives it is never pleasant. It feels like we will not recover but God is faithful. His purpose is to get you free from all the baggage and things that hold you back from what He wants to do in your life. 

God will use and work with what you choose to make available to Him. My bushes did not have a choice to let me trim them, but we have a choice with God. He waits for us to be open and allow Him access, to pull the weeds and trim us in our walk with Him. We can be confident that as we allow Him access it brings authenticity and new freedom into our life.

So, as you look at your garden and bushes this summer, take a few minutes to ask Holy Spirit to show you areas in your life that need some trimming and weeding as well.

I will be well worth it!