May 24th, 2021
(A host of mini-thoughts from the day…)
Just as the sun crossed the horizon this morning, I quietly snuck into the garden to check on any progress there. It’s hard for me to be patient… I’m so eager to see how things are going to mature.
I’m committed to staying on top of pruning this year - especially the tomatoes. In past years, I’ve become tired halfway through the season - trying to keep track of the main stem in between all the suckers.
It was amazing to see all the new growth sprouting up everywhere… and more than a little shocking to already find a whole host of suckers taking off like crazy! It’s not that these off shoots directly hurt the plant. They just suck a whole host of nutrients from the plant without producing any fruit - reducing overall plant yield. (Not to mention creating a nightmare of tangled woven stems and stalks.)
And, as is so often the case, the garden opened up its Book of Life lessons - reminding me again of the need for careful pruning in my own life.
There are so many things that compete for my attention, my affection, my heart. So many things begging for me to keep them viable - yet not everything produces fruit. Left to their own devices, they will suck a whole host of strength and nutrients from my life - leaving me worn down, depleted, and unproductive.
Katerina’s “Out West” trip planning continues on… plowing forward through Wyoming and Utah. In less than a week - she will no longer huddle around maps spread across the kitchen table. Rather, she hopes to be huddled around a campfire somewhere else other than here… (How I love my girl!)
The wind blows tonight, cool and refreshing. After so many hot days, we can breathe well (minus the pollen.) I am so grateful for the cooler air.
The kids now sit in the dark on the deck, one next to the next, the next, the next… a whole crew of them huddled around the gas fire pit we found by the side of the road. They depress the “on” button, chuckling because it’s the only way for it to stay lit. If they let it go, the flame goes out.
It’s a simple task - this holding of the button - yet it’s not that comfortable and almost annoying. We’ve replaced the electrical switch, but it doesn’t seem to have fixed the problem. So - they hold it “on” so the flame stays lit.
And we walk by faith - not by sight… uncomfortably pressing forward - pressing “on” - for the prize. For the high calling of Christ Jesus.
All around us, left and right… there are reminders - pointers to the Cross. Small lessons buried just beneath the surface awaiting our discovery. His ways - higher than mine…
I keep my eyes lifted to the hills… looking up for Him, while looking around -
Always for Him.
