"Pretty It Up"

I was all ready to write a post that would easily fit into my 'Think It Thru' file here on the blog. My mind often challenges itself with the help of friends, family and books. But I decided that a project we were working on last week really was somewhat of a parable in my own life.

We are blessed and fortunate enough to live in the country on two acres of land. Not only is our house on that property, but also enough grass to keep me on the John Deere for three hours at a time and a pond that only the dogs have attacked.  Last week we decided it was time to do some maintenance on that pond and it's surrounding areas!

You see, when we purchased the home two years ago, everything looked perfect to us. The pond, the gardens, the backyard forest. Now that we have been here everyday, we see things EVERYDAY, we have noticed how unattractive so much of the property is. Over the years and prior to our ownership, the gardens went down hill. No one was seen outside pulling the weeds or pruning the plants for fresh growth. There was only the minimum happening to keep the grass down. (Thank you John Deere!) And the pond--well forget that! Not even touched.

Once Gino had spent a few hours of serious pulling, yanking and throwing, the pond and surrounding areas started to look a little more appealing. What was interesting to me, was what was under that crap!  With a bit of time pruning and muscle, the pond area really started to take shape and look really nice!  I would have to say that my life is like that.  My marriage is like that.  My parenting is like that too.

Are you starting to see where I am going with this?  I have been thinking about some of the things in my life that need some 'pretty-ing up'.   I have to make some tough choices each day.  Some of those choices will affect others, some only myself and my family.  But ultimately, if I keep a handle on the things that produce 'pretties' (as my son would say!) or 'uglies', the evidence of that will be seen in my life.  I want my life to be full of the pretties, full of the things that draw people to me for the RIGHT reasons, for the evidence of Christ in my life.  And then hopefully I will reflect a well-maintained, Christ energized person.

So it's pruning season outside and inside this life.  And with that come some changes ... and some of those changes are coming with the help of The Love Dare.  Dare 2 & 3 are doozies ... will keep ya posted!