Each year before you can restore your garden you must remove the dead leaves. What would happen if you failed to do this for several years in a row? The dead leaves would make a blanket over your garden that would prevent the sun from reaching your new growth and the entire area would become barren, fit for only the hardiest of weeds and wild plants.
A few years ago I met a couple who had not removed the dead leaves from their thirty year marriage in a very long time. I am convinced they loved each other, but they could not communicate their love to one another. How sad it was to see the dryness and lack of sunshine in their truly committed relationship. Failure to remove the dead leaves of hurt, disappointments and misunderstandings had lead to a barrenness that was hard to understand.
The Word says that God’s compassions (grace) are renewed every morning. Even He doesn’t believe yesterday’s grace is sufficient for today. Have you used some of your quiet time to pull out an old wound and wrap it with new grace? Have your discarded useless peeves and irritations, collected slights and cold, left-ever grievances? Using your together time to express forgiveness can make room for new memories. Often we find we have spent our energy cultivating, watering, and nourishing WEEDS. Couples who do this can find themselves living in the same space, but not “together.” The couple mentioned above found a better way. Christian counseling helped.
Clear out the dead leaves and make room for the garden God wants to plant in your life.
©Tina Green 2011
