I realized today why men like to "mow the yard" In between massive spring storms, the ground was just dry enough to cut grass, and the window of opportunity presented itself. Marty being at work, I decided to get the task done. I've always liked to mow. My daddy taught me on a John Deer when I could barely reach the pedals. He told me to "keep the tire" on the inside of the line and "keep straight"
Well we don't have an old John Deer. We have this fancy, zero-turn, space-ship type thing that doesn't have pedals or a steering wheel.
It took me about 25 minutes to start things (already over my time-budget). (I didn't realize you have to have the break up, arms engaged, blade up, choke on medium and hold your mouth just right- before the engine would actually turn over) Finally, I was in the hot sun, whirling around the yard.
We live on 5 acres with two beautiful ponds. A small portion of that land around our home is outlined with a small wooden picket fence. The fence is merely for character and will not keep wild animals out. I decided, for sake of time, I would focus on the INSIDE of the fence.
We have three kids, 2 dogs, a pool and various debris lying around the yard- you know a water bottle, soccer ball, pool floaties, things one should not drive over in a mower. But once I sat my tail end on that mower and put it motion, I DID NOT WANT to get off. So carefully weaving through and pushing aroun the debris I vowed to "get it done" without getting off.
On one particular obstacle I leaned forward to pick up the debris and leaned on the bar that pushes the machine forward. Whew that was close. I tried it again, managed to pick it up, but once again lurched forward and ran into the wooden fence with a bang. Boom- yep whip lash. Hmm, wonder if Marty will notice that 2 inch deep laceration in the wooden post. I continue on.
As I spin, whirl, and accomplish this task, I have a sense of pride. I am actually going to start, and FINISH a project in short amount of time. So many days, I start a project and get distracted, derailed, or simply bored, and therefore never finish. So actually STARTING, and FINISHING in the same day is victory in itself!
Grass droppings all stuck to my legs, sweat pooled up in my crotch (making it look like I wet myself), and a sense of accomplishment, I pulled the machine back into the garage (An entire different story backing that thing up)---by the way, you know a MAN designed that. You have to have TWO hands on the bars at all time. What if you wanted to drink? Or change the song on your itunes?--
SO I finished. (Don't look at the cement block I rearranged, the big holes I dug in the mud, the patches I didn't really cut, or the high parts I scalped) It was finished. It's pretty, and green, and smells really good.
I wonder if God sees us sometime like fresh cut grass. Phil. 1:6 says "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will
continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ
Jesus returns."
Sometimes there is debris that gets in the way, and sometimes we have accidents along the way. But when the work is done, we are complete! ONLY in Him. Thank you Lord for beginning the work, and completing when Jesus Comes. Mowing grass isn't really that hard (especially with modern technology and zero turn machines). BUT it's a good reminder that our life may be over grown with weeds, debris and obstacles. But the Master Gardner is mowing, pruning and making US look beautiful. He will finish us one day when we get to be with Him, and what a glorious day of rejoicing that will be.
Now off to weed-eating.......
