Weeds

My heart is in His hands.  It's the best place to be.

Instead of going to a movie with friends (October Baby, which, btw, I've been told is an amazing story), I spent part of Sunday afternoon gardening.  Ok, not really gardening.   More like, I went outside and circled our house.  After a moment, I knew it was time--time to finally plant a garden!  I began to prepare the soil, pulling up weeds and unwanted grass with my bare hands.  It was truly a lovely time.  I've hesitated for about two years in the gardening department for two main reasons.  One, lack of time and energy.  Two, because I had no idea where to start...even after quite a bit of time perusing the internet for planting tips and tricks.  So, I decided I should just jump in and see what happens.  I thought, "Even if I'm a little late in sowing seed, it's time.  This garden is going to be fruitful."  I'm excited!

I was almost disappointed that I didn't go spend some time with such quality people, but I needed some time.  Even though I'm an introvert, I sometimes forget that I require time alone in order to think, recharge and reconnect with God and be reminded of who He wants me to be.  As I yanked at the weeds, I realized that my heart has even more weeds than the earth I was working.  Struck by this very simple idea, I prayed, "God, weed my heart as I weed this ground." My heart so needed communion with God on that cool, spring day.  May my heart and spirit be fertile soil for all that He desires to do in me and through me.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. ²  Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³ Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. ⁴  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. ⁵ I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. ⁷ If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. ⁹  As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. ¹⁰  If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. ¹¹ These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." -John 15:1-11