I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?   

Isaiah 43:19

 

During this last long holiday weekend, I spent time in my garden pulling weeds. It might not sound too glamorous or fun and yet is an essential part of gardening. Creating space for the beauty of this garden to be seen.  My hostas and bleeding hearts were being overrun by some unknown weed that decided this was the place it wanted to grow. 

 

I find deep satisfaction in weeding if the conditions are right. Those conditions are that the soil is moist, the weeds come out with ease, and it's not over 100 degrees. There is a deep satisfaction of pulling a weed, and the top, roots, even threads of the roots come out. There's a sense of completion of feeling that this weed no longer is there, will not return,  and there is room now, space for something new to grow.

 

My sense is we do a lot of this during the summer in many shapes and forms. It may look like weeding, cleaning garages, clearing cabinets, or going through clothes to give away. We remove that which no longer serves us to make space for something new. There is also a clarity of something being complete so that there is no leftovers, nothing remaining under the surface that will reappear later. Thus investing in some effort in this moment, to ensure healthy blossoms later.

 

This can also be true in our emotional and spiritual lives. What are some old pesky thoughts or beliefs you may have about yourself or others that seem to choke out the life of the roses and dahlias ? What are the self defeating criticisms that keep returning and repeating in your life? Do you have space for what is emerging and you desire to expand to actually do that? Or is the flower bed so crowded that these get lost in the weeds?  

 

Maybe this summer is a great opportunity to reflect upon and consider releasing the old and making space in the soil for something new and beautiful in your life with yourself, with others, or with your Creator.

 

Blessings

Dee