Weeds

In my profession as extension agent I am asked questions about weeds every day. Residents tell me they have weeds in their lawns, weeds in their pastures, weeds in their driveways and gardens. They've tried pulling and spraying but they still have a problem. Once they get rid of one weed, another type invades. I ask them to tell me what they want there. In a perfect world, what do they see growing there? Is it a pasture of grass and alfalfa, a long expanse of groomed turf or bursts of showy flowers? It is one thing to eliminate a problem but if you leave the soil bare and just hope that something beneficial will establish itself there without any assistance, you'll just end up with another problem. Something will grow there for sure; it will be what can out-compete anything else. This is most certainly an invasive weed. You must be willing to plant and nurture what you do want, to help it be successful.

When we look at our lives and the people around us, do we ever take a moment to think about what we see? Do we see problems, obstacles, disappointments? Is it weeds or is it what we envisioned? What are we actively doing to create the life we dreamed? What are we planting? How are we caring for it?

There are people who feel haunted by their situations and feel there are no other options. They are unwilling to cultivate their hearts desire. They don't like the weeds but the just don't want to do what it takes to produce a beautiful alternative. It takes effort and intention. It takes focus and energy to make things happen. Sometimes there is a price to pay. Sometimes there is discomfort and inconvenience.

If you are not willing to do what it takes to bring about a beneficial change, become satisfied with the weeds, for that is all that will grow.