We’ve been blessed with an above-average rainfall this year and as a result, we’ve got weeds popping up everywhere – even in those tiny little cracks in the driveway! Oddly enough, those little driveway cracks made me think of Pastor Brian’s message a few weeks ago about entropy.
Quite honestly, before his message, I hadn’t a clue what entropy was. Brian defined entropy as “everything has a tendency to deteriorate.” Once he explained God has given each of us a vineyard to maintain (our lives), living responsibly and purposefully to avoid deterioration took on a whole new meaning for me.
As a wife and a mother, I’m ashamed to admit, I’ve spent more time worrying about my husband and children’s vineyards rather than my own. After all, if their vineyards are littered with weeds and infected with pests that reflects poorly on me and how well I’ve done my job.
We women have a tendency to place a great deal of importance on the appearance of the perfect vineyard. When in fact, most of us are hiding a thorny patch covered in briars we’d rather throw a tarp over and ignore. Oh wait, maybe that’s just me.
Without attention even the most manicured vineyards can deteriorate. One little gopher or unattended patch of weeds can quickly choke the life out of your ripening fruit. While there’s nothing wrong with offering occasional landscaping tips regarding another vineyard, it’s important to tend to the vineyard given to us.
It’s a wonder my vineyard hasn’t been condemned because of neglect. I’ve had a lot of rain lately in my personal vineyard and upon first glance I’m seeing more briars than fruit and some stuff sprouting up, I’m not sure how to label it. Are they fruit, are they thorns? Who knows!
To avoid deterioration in my vineyard, I’ve enlisted the help of a marvelous landscaping company. Perhaps you’ve heard of them: Trinity Landscaping. It’s a Father and Son outfit, but the real backbone of the company is the silent third Partner who’s had remarkable results with his own brand of fertilizer.
Once covered with this special fertilizer my vineyard stands a better chance of growing healthier and producing richer fruit. While the fertilizer may stink things up for a while making life a tad uncomfortable, the end result is a flourishing, thriving vineyard that becomes the envy of the neighborhood – one you’ll be proud to open to the public.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)
Blessings in Christ,
Kathy Kurlin
www.kathleenkurlin.com
Wow, Kathy – you are a very good writer. 🙂
It is not just you – My tarp is pink to make it look like it’s pretty.
Thank you for the reminder. Pastor Brian did peak my interest with his message. You just drove it home. I fall into the trap of tending to my family vineyard rather than my own. There are definitely some things that need my attention and some of that Supergrow fertilizer 🙂
Thanks.
Yes, I too, can get caught up in feeble, vain attempts, to “help others” with their vineyard, rather than allow the Holy Spirit to “clean me up.” It does stink for awhile, and may even be painful if it has to do with past hurts or abuses. However, the Holy Spirit is a gentleman and allowing Him to move in our lives is much easier than the enemy would have us believe. Great post! You are indeed, an excellent writer. Much love,
C
An excellent article. Well done, my good friend!
Thank you for the encouraging words, Kathy! I’ve got to give Trinity Landscaping a call. ;0)