Lessons From My Ridiculous Lawn

During the summer, I travel a lot. As in, I have been home exactly 11 days in the last 2 months. And since it’s been 105 degrees most days, and I am not blessed to have a sprinkler system, you might naturally think, like I did, that my lawn would die, and I would not have to mow every time I am home during those precious 11 days of home time. But no, it seems to grow MORE when I am gone. And not only that – while the lawn grows, the plants in the flowerbeds die. I think that’s my house’s way of getting back at me for setting the air at 90 when I leave.

Regardless, as I was sweating it out mowing during my 36 hours between trips recently, I started to wonder which one I am more like – my ridiculous lawn that keeps growing, or my plants that keep dying when I’m gone. Do I thrive under adversity, and give thanks to God in all circumstances like my lawn? Or when things get tough, do I act like my hydrangeas and photinias, and shrivel up?

Paul said that he rejoiced in his sufferings (Colossians 1:24) and that it is God’s will for us to be joyful always, and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18).