Yesterday I had a pleasant visit with my Daddy. He wanted to sit outside on the front porch so that he could enjoy the cool morning air.
There are fewer days when he seems to be like his old self, so yesterday was a true gift.
As he talked in the sun light, I studied the outlines of his face. There is no body-fat left in his face or hands. Something about his face reminded me of his mother. His hands, now thin and shaky, were once so strong and secure. He was the protector of our home. Now I try to protect him.
As Daddy sat on the porch and scanned his yard he said, “The bad thing about looking around is seeing everything that needs to be done and I can’t do anything!” It really is overwhelming — even for me — when I look around my parent’s yard. There IS so much to do, though I barely have time to take care of my own home and yard. Sigh. Daddy always kept their yard cut and his flowers were always so beautiful.
What is a daughter to do?
I decided I would show up in their yard first thing this morning and begin the tedious process of pulling the weeds from their flower beds. Each weed gave me the opportunity to pray for my family — all of the entanglements, the bitter roots, the blooms. I prayed about all of the roots in our family that needed to be removed. I prayed there would be mercy where it is needed … repentance where it is needed … Change.
I pulled, dug, and prayed as I enjoyed a Spring morning in the lawn where I explored as a child.
Even as I worked, the smell of the soil took me back to simpler days.
Below is the Hosta bed that is now ready for summer.
What will this spring and summer hold for us? When my parents are gone, will my siblings and I be able to transport a lot of these plants that mean so much to our Daddy?
This flower bed is also ready for flowers to be planted. I doubt you can see it, but I had to be ever so careful not to damage the plants my parents call “Hen and Biddies” near the rocks.
You know, our lives are so much like these little Hen and Biddies (the purple/red plants you see). Sometimes the weeds of life can choke us and even cover us. Sometimes the roots of wicked, harmful words and lies can suffocate us with rotten fruit. I didn’t see the little shoots of the purple/red plants until I removed the covering of weeds.
We need JESUS.
It takes God’s Word and His Spirit to change us.
John 15:1-3
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
We need the Master Gardener to remove the unholy weeds and roots from our lives.
Have you asked God to remove any weeds that choke out His Word in your life? I have.
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Girl, I woulda pulled weeds with you!
xoxo
As if you have extra time. I wouldn’t have even though of asking you. (((hugs))) So sweet of you to offer though. <3
That was so sweet of you to spend time working in your parent’s yard, knowing that it means a lot to your Daddy…and time well spent as you were able to pray for your family. I agree with you that every weed and unhealthy root growing in your family line is pulled out in Jesus name! Love you my friend.
Love you too. I still have so much to do there. It is more than I can do, but a great chance to sit in the quiet and pray. Thanks Sister.
Beth,
Time sure is precious when you have aging parents who are struggling with health issues. I vividly recall visiting my dad in the hospital after he’d suffered yet another stroke. We got him some ice cream and after it was eaten, he spent the next 15-20 mins. scraping the bottom of the cup and pretending to eat more. It was so heartbreaking to watch. There was absolutely nothing I could do to change the reality of what was happening…except to love him, be there for him, and to pray for him. Just know that as you face the difficult road ahead, you will be close in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh April, that is so incredibly sad. I understand though. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. Love you friend!
What a blessing to live close enough where it is at least an option to help out when you can! I have hens and birdies, too (I’ve always called them hens and chicks) and I could relate….
beautiful post. praying for God to show me any weeds that need plucking. I find it’s good to be drenched in His word first so the pulling of the weed doesn’t hurt as bad…
So blessed to find you via Write It, girl!
All for Him,
Nikki
Amen Nikki! Great point about being drenched in His Word. I was thankful for all of the rain we have had because it did make the weeds come up easier!
Bless you!
Beth
Beautiful writing about your father – I can certainly relate, as my father is now 90 years old, and my mother passed away a few years ago after several strokes. It is a switch of roles, as we come to the place of “parenting” our own parents. What a sweet thing for you to do, to go and care for your parents’ yard.
Thank you Cherry. The “becoming” and walking in the parent role with your parents is NOT easy or fun. I appreciate your encouragement. God bless you as you care for your father.
Love in Him,
Beth
Beth this is absolutely beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. It is such a joy to see how God is speaking to your heart in big things and even little things like weeds… and to see how beautifully you express your heart as He does speak to you.
By the way, if you’d like, our whole family can come over for a work day and help you spruce things up for your Daddy and Mom. Our big guy will just sit and “supervise”, but the rest of us can be put to work. Send me a note and let me know.
Sheree
What a beautiful and precious time with your dad, and a thoughtful and gracious gift you gave through your yard work! It’s hard to see our parents grow older and unable to do things, changing from the strong protector to needing to be helped. Treasure the moments you still have with them. Thank you for sharing your sweet post and lesson about letting the Master Gardener remove the weeds in our lives.