Garden Disaster

Garden Disaster

Every year for Mother’s Day, I get myself some beautiful perennials. This year I bought two different colored miniature lilac bushes. Excited, I got them planted later that day close to my forty-foot bed in the far back yard. They were off to the side, which meant they did not have the benefit of the paver stones outlining the garden.

And that fact brought on the disaster. Without clear boundaries, my son did not see the lilac bush and so ran right over it. Not once, but twice.

“Ugh”, was his only reply when asked about it.

But frankly, there had been no visible borders around the bush, so he hadn’t seen it and, let’s be honest, I’m pretty sure he wasn’t looking too closely.

Finally, learning my lesson (though it took two times), I put large rocks all around the bush and pulled the weeds so that it would not blend into the green surroundings. I’m fairly sure he won’t try to run over the rocks and my now pathetic bush that sports only one trunk and three splintered branches. Hopefully, with good care, the bush will survive. We’ll see how my garden disaster turns out.

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God gives us clear boundaries for our own good and the safety of those around us. When we don’t heed God’s boundaries, we will no doubt find ourselves saying, “Ugh”—at the least. As I researched the boundaries that God gives us in the Bible, I was surprised how many good verses I found.

Boundaries for our minds:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Phil. 4:8, NIV)

It’s so easy for our minds to wander into the worry swamp filled with “what-ifs”. I don’t know about you, but when that happens, it’s hard for me to step out of the mud back on to clean ground. If I allow my mind to wander, it takes so much more effort to go back to faith-thinking instead of worry-thinking.

Boundaries for our emotions:

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” (James 1:19, NIV)

There are so many stories I have that illustrate this point and if I’m honest, probably daily we do this passage incorrectly in my house. It’s so easy to be in a conversation where you are only listening enough to make your next point instead of slowing down and really entering into the heart of the matter to resolve what is going on.

Boundaries for our hearts:

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.” (Proverbs 4:23-24, NIV)

Did you notice how 23 says to guard your heart and the following verse 24 talks about what comes out of your mouth? It is very clear here that what our hearts are feeling, assuming, and imagining will eventually come right out of our mouths. We need to guard our hearts so that we let nothing enter that would cause us or others around us pain. I am guilty of hurting others by assuming inaccurate things and spewing out my ugly words all over them.

Do all you can to be at peace with others while maintaining healthy boundaries.

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Rom. 12:18, NIV)

I think in most situations, we can admit that there is more that we can do to be at peace with another person. For instance, apologies that could smooth over misunderstandings, or a kind word to express gratitude, might help. But sometimes we may need to walk away knowing that at least for the moment that there is no peace to be had.

Prayer for you and me: Lord, teach us Your wisdom in the little things throughout our days, even those tiny disasters. Thank You, for helping us to establish boundaries to keep our hearts, minds and bodies safe and headed toward Your best plan for us. Help us see Your splendor in all aspects of our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.