As I stood by the window, I stared at my yard
Not taking in much, just thinking real hard
As this challenge before me was hard to conceive
Could I invite God to take what I believe?
To prod, and to stretch, to challenge my stand
To teach me to walk, while holding my hand?
“Oh Father,” I prayed, with tears streaming fast
“I can’t face more pain, for I don’t think I’ll last.
Life has been a struggle and I need this reprieve
Lord, I’ve already changed the things I believe!”
Then God spoke. He whispered, “Just look at your lawn.
For it does represent the journey you’re on.”
“My lawn?” I just giggled as memories came back.
How often I’ve seeded? I sure have lost track
Of the grass seed, the water; spring, summer and fall,
Weed killer, fertilizer – ‘til a friend came to call.
“What a nice crop of weeds.” She spoke of my lawn.
“But, it’s green…and it’s mowed…” soon my hopes were all gone.
Then spring came. And bulbs grew. The weather turned nice.
There I was in my yard, not once and not twice
But each weekday evening, and weekends still more
For on my ‘green’ lawn, I had declared war!
With shovel in hand I was turning up dirt
Digging rocks, yanking roots – ‘til my back really hurt.
In time, it was ready. Manure was spread ‘round
And grass seed was scattered all over the ground.
Then I became faithful and watered a lot
As signs of new blades I carefully sought.
Then one day, I saw them! Well, not a huge mass –
But my mind, it could picture – the lushest green grass!
Weeks followed, I proudly admired my lawn
Soon noticing much of the lushness was gone!
It had been growing quite nicely and green as could be
When on this fine day I could suddenly see
Something else came along – those WEEDS, they were back.
Without missing a beat I went on the attack!
I got down on my knees and began, with great care
Working gently around the new grass that was there
Buckets and buckets of weeds were collected
Leaving small clumps of grass that looked so disconnected.
Yet these clumps gave me hope and made my heart swell
For still in my mind, I could picture it well!
And my mind is what drove me to replay the process
Hauling loads of top-soil and manure, what a mess!
Which was carefully spread, adding plenty of seed
To provide a new challenge for each nasty weed!
Then cover with peat to protect from the sun
I was soon satisfied that this project was done.
Weeks of rain followed – with vacation – and rest.
Yet what I saw next, put me to the test
Though grass seeds had sprouted the WEEDS had gone wild
Taking over my lawn – oh yes, I was riled!
But I knew what to do, so I dropped to my knees
Began pulling and yanking at those ornery weeds!
And I wondered, “Why did I use seed, and not sod?”
When I heard it again. The whisper of God.
“My daughter, I love you and I do see your lawn.
Let me tell you about this life journey you’re on.
I see you. I’ve called you to serve for my glory
Just listen, my child, there’s a point to this story.
For the grass is the truth that comes straight from My Word
And the weeds are the things you’ve continually heard
Many things others said that you chose to believe
These things that your mind so loves to retrieve.
Well, the rain, it’s the test that you need to pass
As you learn to produce less weeds and more grass.
For I am your Father, Your Maker, Your God
I will keep coming back. I will yank. I will prod.
I’ve been quietly sowing so many truth-seeds
And always they’re growing along with your weeds.
I’ll never give up ‘cause I do clearly see
You, just as I planned and made you to be!
So now it’s your time to make the connection
To uproot more lies and replace each deception.
Do look at your lawn for each time you weed it
More grass is left standing. More weeds are depleted.
While clumps of My truth may seem disconnected
Trust Me for the balance which will be perfected.”
This Father, He is who He says that He is
I don’t always learn fast but I do know I’m His.
As I slowly embrace who He says I am
I’ll more fully be centered in His perfect plan.
To do all things through Christ, indeed is my plea
As His word comes alive and more active in me!
Written August 2004
Copyright © 2021 by Terri Art