With the warmer days of July upon us, the lazy days of summer conjure up images of rest and relaxation. I love sitting, overlooking the garden with good book and a tall glass of iced tea.I can’t help but think about the years it’s taken years to get to its fullness and growth. As I reflect on the Gospels of July they offer the perfect juxtaposition of this slow pace of growth.  

I love how the Gospels have been speaking my language of connectedness to creation; the sower of seeds, yoking to make the job easier, plants and weeds and soil – Oh My!  The garden certainly sees tremendous growth in July for both plants AND weeds. One week I pat myself on the back for my Martha Stewart-like talents, and the next I feel like a candidate for Garden Rescue or This Old House gone bad. Such is my garden of life as well. There are days that my progress in life will guarantee a fruitful harvest, then due to neglect, weeds creep in. These setbacks are my slow pace of growth.

One gospel that stood out to me this month was from Matthew 13:24-30, where we hear the parable of The Wheat and The Weeds and how the Master Gardener says to “let them grow together until the harvest”.   Most gardeners would argue that every weed around the plant must be pulled because it will choke out the good growth.  Now, to a degree, this is true – there are weeds that are invasive and must be taken care of promptly, but there are actually some benefits to weeds in the garden, and paying attention to them is the key to a healthy harvest. 

Most weeds are actually indicators of soil imbalance, such as low moisture or poor nutrition. They’re the first indicators that something needs attention – and it’s not the weeds themselves – but the soil where the problem lies.  Weeds will only move in when they find this imbalance and they will do their best to take over if the root of the problem isn’t addressed. 

As I always say, life mimics creation. By becoming aware of life’s weeds  (anxiety, anger, absence of peace or patience, lack of joy) we have some insight into an imbalance to something deeper that needs to be addressed. We need to go back and tend to the soil in which the seed was sown. 

Today’s culture provides plenty of opportunity for weeds to crowd out our human and spiritual development.  It takes constant work to integrate our spiritual life with the everyday experiences and emotions that surround us. This dance of listening to the Creator’s voice and responding in kind helps us to till the soil and create a balance that helps our growth.

When deeply rooted in trust and Truth, the weeds of life can actually help hold the soil together.  Without those pesky little annoyances popping up, we could be caught unaware of the dangers around us on the day of harvest. “Let them grow together until the harvest”, God knows that the weeds will never overpower the growth of a strong “plant” that is rooted in good soil.  We can trust that if we do our part, He’ll do His. 

“At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”

We have inspiration as we look to the saints that we celebrated this month. We learn how to create this balance – how to transform the weeds of our emotions, fears, and doubts.  From the examples of Mary Magdalene, Mary & Martha, and the Apostle James, we can take from them an example of how to watch and listen, how to choose, how to persevere, and how to transform – an ongoing process of the slow pace of growth. 

Getting to the Root of Change and helping you LOVE the season of life you’re in.

I hope you enjoyed your visit here today.  If you did, please share your thoughts in the comments below. If you know someone who might enjoy it, would you consider sharing with them or on your social media accounts using the hashtag #gardenerstouch.