| While, I don’t worry too much about the decorative stuff, I do like to have a nice, clean and green lawn. That takes quite a bit of work during the spring months, especially if you have pets. There are the bare spots that need to be tended to and the right “feeding” for the healthy plants that comprise a good lawn. You also need to see that it receives the right amount of water and attack those dastardly dandelions, thistle and other broadleaf plants that dare to invade the carpet of green. It’s a lot of work and is never done, but just seeing a better lawn than last year’s gives you a sense of accomplishment.
Of course, some people get so frustrated with this that from time to time they execute the nuclear option; they tear out the old lawn and lay down brand new sod!
For many of us, this season to improve the appearance and health of our lawn might also be a time when to look at the appearance and health of our soul. That of course is what Jesus was talking about in the parable of the fig tree, that from time to time our spirit seems to stop bearing fruit. That there is no love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness or self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) in our lives.
But how do we begin this type of process when there are fewer Jones’ to keep up with?
Well, the parable suggests that we begin to dig at the roots and provide the necessary nutrients. To me that means we go back to the basics of our faith, dwelling upon the events of Easter that traditionally start our spring season: the life, works and words of Christ. To read again the Gospels and to allow that reading to lead us to reexamine our life in the context of His teachings of word and deed is always a good starting point. In that examination of our life in the light of God’s word, to discover those places we are missing the mark and to confess our failures and recommit to do it differently is a second action. And to stop comparing our lives to those of the people around us but instead to hold it up to the example of Christ is a final place that will transform our baron souls into the life-giving joyous soul that Christ wants us to have.
Still, like lawn care, while the steps sound simple, the work is hard and not for the faint of heart. But if you want a fruitful, joyous life, it surely is worth the effort! |
