February 10, 2006

“If you don’t mind, I think I’ll just stay here.”

“I think it would be better for you to leave.”

“Here is just fine, thank you.”

I don’t usually talk with plants, but I had this conversation with a cotoneaster in my front yard this week. We’ve enjoyed the orange berries and the birds they attract. We’ve gotten tired of the scraggly appearance.

So I tied a rope around it, hooked it to the SUV and attempted to pull it out of the nice, soft ground. Three hours later, after much digging and hacking, I finally had my way. That shrub must have been planted close to 30 years ago. The crape myrtle that is now in its place adds much more class to the yard and will not overwhelm the fence.

About mid-morning, while wheezing over the mattock, I knew I would write something about this experience. Those big, stubborn roots firmly anchored the shrub in our yard. Those roots served the plant well, providing solid footing through storms and finding moisture during hot summers. I found those roots fairly intractable.

Initially, it would have been much easier to just leave the cotoneaster be. But this shrub was no longer part of the vision we had for our yard. It’s contribution was limited compared to other options. So I made the effort to change the situation. The improvement proved well worth the effort.

Do you have a ‘well-rooted shrub’ standing in the way of realizing your vision? Now may be the time to take care of it.

“I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble.” Proverbs 4:11-12

Be at peace,
Pastor Steve