Weeds

I like weeds. They pop up and grow and sometimes look pretty.
I have some leafy weeds with purple flowers growing right now.
Then of course I have dandelions.
I've always liked dandelions.
I'm not a green thumb, so to me, if a weed with a colorful flower wants to pop up and add some color to my yard, then who am I to pull it up?

But Alas, today after the rain last night, my pretty purple weeds are coming up over my pretty rose bush. My Yellow Rose bush that was transplanted all the way from my Nana's house in PA. and entrusted to my care all the way in Alabama.
My Mom lovingly planted it for me after my Gall Bladder surgery 4 years ago.
I've never tended to it...it just comes back every year. I don't feed it the traditional Rose food, I just let Mother nature do its thing.
But today, the weeds are threatening to choke my hearty and tough Rose bush.
I need to go out and pull them up, stomp them to the ground and let them know they are not to mess with my Rose bush!

My soul is like that Yellow Rose Bush.
It's been transplanted several times.
It goes through it's seasons of beauty and dormancy.
It is threatened by the ailments.
It thrives where it is planted.
And yet, just like my soul, it is threatened by weeds.
The Rose bush's weeds come pretty and purple and look pretty harmless.
But left alone, they could choke the life out of my pretty plant.
I am constantly reminded of the weeds of sin in my life. Sometimes they are masked with sweet purple flowers, disguised as weeds. I tend to leave it unchecked...what harm can that little sin do? Sometimes I am so entranced by the purple petals that I don't even recognize it as sin until I am so entangled in its trap. Then the process of getting rid of it all has become painful because of the root it has taken. If I could have just recognized it in the beginning, then maybe I could have just plucked it up right away.

My Yellow Rose bush is lovely and I don't even do much tending to it.
What if I started giving it Rose bush food?
What if I pruned it?
How much more beautiful would it be if it was given care.

And Alas, the problem with my Soul.
What if I was more diligent about feeding on the word of God?
What if I cut down the layers of sin that creep in and threaten to take hold?
How much more effective would I be for the kingdom of God and furthering His Glory.

The words of this song have been ringing in my heart today:
"O great God of highest Heaven
Occupy my lowly heart
Own it all and reign supreme
Conquer every rebel power
Let no vice or sin remain
That resists your Holy war
You have loved and purchased me
Make me yours forevermore

I was blinded by my sin
Had no ears to hear Your voice
Did not know Your love within
Had no taste for heaven's joys
Then Your Spirit gave me life
Opened up Your Word to me
Through the Gospel of Your Son
Gave me endless hope and peace

Help me now to live a life
That's dependent on Your grace
Keep my heart and guard my soul
From the evils that I face
You are worthy to be praised
With my every thought and deed
O great God of highest heaven
Glorify Your name through me."