“And God blessed them, and God said unto them,
Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it…” Genesis 1:28a
Weeds sure are intrusive little things. They pop up everywhere! You pull up one and two take its place. I believe weeds are one of the biggest problems gardeners face besides weather conditions and critters. They’re pretty hard to beat but we faithfully attempt to subdue them with stern stubbornness.
Have you ever wondered why we reject weeds as if they are inferior intruders that don’t deserve a place in the soil? We tolerate them from a distance, along highways and in unclaimed spaces, but if they cross into our domain, they’re goners!
Why do we mistreat them? They rise unsown, thrive in neglect, grow untended, survive in unlikely places, and grace the landscape with colorful blooms. They get stomped on, uprooted, sprayed, mowed over and still come back for more. The harder weeds are treated, the hardier they become.
One Saturday, my husband and I prepared to attack our dreaded chore of spraying our gravel driveway for weeds. I despised having to do it again and was grumbling all the way. Then, I stopped to notice the pretty flowers blooming on the weeds and God stirred my heart with this thought:
”Weeds are flowers too. You intruded on their space.
Why are you resenting and rejecting something I created?”
Why was I? Was it because I didn’t plant them, found them undesirable, and didn’t see them as part of my plans?
God took this thought deeper…”I’ve treated people like weeds.” I’ve neglected, shunned, fenced off, ignored, and culled those who’ve crossed my path uninvited. I’ve made others feel unwanted, grumbled at having to deal with them, and resented how much time, energy, and resources they’ve cost me. God was teaching me…
Loosen Control
We like being in control of our spaces. At times, we become so obsessed with controlling who or what comes and goes, and focus so hard on eliminating intruders, we fail to enjoy our blessings. Loosen up.
Learn to Contain
We can’t control weeds or people, but we can learn to contain those who affect us. It’s not a “do it and it’s done” kind of job. We have to stay on top of the task. Here are some steps to help:
- Prevent – prep your soil and heart against intruders
- Purge – weed out disruptive intruders
- Protect – guard your harvest from intruders
There are many resources online that show how to subdue weeds. The Bible is a great source for how to treat people.
Lovingly Consider
Subduing weeds or people is difficult. It can hurt to be cut off and cast aside. Maybe that is why God made people adaptable, resistant, and hardy like weeds so we can endure harsh elements and still grow when disturbed, rejected, or uprooted.
Every plant and person was created by God and is beautiful in their own way. We should think twice before expelling them as unworthy or unwelcomed because they don’t measure up to our standards. God intended for all of us to be part of His grand design—to live in harmony, thrive where planted, and produce a serene landscape in His garden.
Next time we have to subdue weeds or people, let’s do it with love and appreciation. Remember, weeds are flowers too.
“And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good…” Genesis 1:31
Bring It Home
How do you subdue intrusive weeds or people?
Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC
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