Does the title sound like an oxy-moron? My experience this last week would prove otherwise. I’m probably late to the party of those that see yard work as something extremely therapeutic. However, in my defense, it’s most likely due to my not ever having my own yard. Being married now to a homeowner, I’ve taken some ownership in how things look and feel around our home. I want our home to feel warm and inviting and part of doing that is making sure that, upon first glance, you want to come in.
Thursday and Friday of last week I started pulling weeds in our mulch beds that surround the 5 crepe myrtle trees that line our drive way. Due to our schedules and busy lives, things had gotten a little out of control. I’m sure it helped that during both of those days the weather was absolutely beautiful. Thursday, my husband and I worked together on the weed pulling. Friday, I sent him off to run errands and get in some golf while I continued the process of pulling weeds. This is where yard work took on a whole new meaning.
As I sat and dug in the dirt, pulling both small weeds and some that were a little more…um…let’s say…deeper and a little more ornery, I realized that this was part of life. How many of us have had that person in your life that whenever you are around them you just feel heavy or sad or depressed? Or maybe it’s the person that is always negative or might tend to use you for your resources and then leave ungrateful.
Would it surprise you if I said you don’t have to keep them around? I don’t have to keep those weeds around. They make our yard look ugly, they tend to “take over” the pretty things around the yard and they can cause a distraction and take the focus away from the beauty and creation that God intended. However, sometimes those weeds can actually look pretty, which can be frustrating and confusing. Sometimes people are like those weeds and we tell ourselves that “maybe next time it will be better.”
This isn’t to say that you have to cut all those negative people out of your life. What I hope to convey is that you have the power within you and the right to choose who you surround yourself with and spend all of your time with. I’m here to testify, once you pull those weeds, you feel so much better. I’ve done this in both my personal life and my yard, so I can attest to both accounts.
If you find yourself having a difficult time letting go of distressing relationships and want to talk to someone about it, feel free to call and grab an appointment with any of our counselors at Rush Creek Counseling Center. Find us online at www.rushcreekcounseling.org or call us at 817-704-6991