As the arborist packed up their chain saws and stump grinders, I slowly walked around our yard. It looked so very different. Dead limbs and trees, gone. To say the first walk-around was a shock would put things mildly. I was stunned. And saddened at the loss.

But it had to be done. Better for healthy growth. It would be alright. Safer if a hurricane decided to blow through. These and more were things I told myself … yet didn’t completely believe.

Until I walked around the yard the next morning. The corner of the backyard where a crepe myrtle stood the previous day was flooded with sunlight, and a thought popped into my brain.

Thank you.

Not what I expected to think when I looked at the barren spot, but what I felt nonetheless.

Why?

Because now I finally had a spot of ground that would receive enough sunlight to plant one of my favorite bushes. Gardenia.

That evening Pilot and I went to the garden store and purchased a gardenia bush for the newly created sun-drenched corner of the yard.

As with most lessons God shows me through his creation, I looked for a spiritual application, and sure enough, found one.

How many times do we hang onto dead stuff in our lives that we need to uproot and grind to bits so he can plant something else?

We know two things cannot occupy the same place at the same time. We can’t hold onto grudges and extend forgiveness. We can’t get rid of gossip and turn our eager ears to the next tantalizing tidbit. We can’t be a more caring spouse or parent and ignore the needs of the other person.

Truth cannot live where lies flourishes. Peace cannot co-exist with constant strife. Light and darkness do not mix. Love cannot be shown when hated abounds. It just doesn’t happen.

The Fruit of the Spirit we are to exhibit cannot occupy the same space as the things of the world. Amen?

While I in no way am implying crepe myrtles are bad, we still have several thriving in the yard, the one in this particular area needed to be removed.

With the removal of the tree a spot opened up to plant the gardenia.

While I miss the crepe, I know I will be much happier with my gardenia.

I also know there are things in my life that I need to cut down and grind to pieces so the better things of God can flourish and grow.

That’s why I can say, Thank you.

How about you? Are there things in your life that need to be removed so something better can grow in its place?

Leave a comment below to share your thoughts on the subject. If you think others would appreciate reading this, please share it through the social media buttons.

God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful,  gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. Galatians 5:22-23 (CEV)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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One of my posts will appear on Inspire a Fire today, August 4, 2015. Please stop by and check it out.