Deep Into the Weeds

Working on the ranch often entails some not so fun jobs. One of the things I enjoy doing the least is trying to kill and control the weeds that often try to take over. Weeds are any plant growing that is not wanted. Furthermore, they are typically extremely aggressive plants that want to choke out the plants that you do want to grow. Most of the weeds on the ranch are not native to North America and have come to find a home here in a variety of ways. One weed that is particularly wicked is the Scotch Thistle. This noxious weed is incredibly prolific and may produce 1,000 to 1,500 seeds per flowering shoot. Although the flower in this plant is somewhat pretty, its thistles are incredibly painful. In addition, Scotch thistle can decrease forage and livestock production on rangelands as it produces toxins that inhibit growth of other plants. Let’s just say, weeds are plain wicked.

You might ask why I am going “deep into the weeds” as they say. Well, the expression, deep into the weeds, is described as overwhelmed with

problems, troubles, or difficulties. In addition, it means to be totally immersed or preoccupied with the details or complexities of something. In either event, deep into the weeds is an unpleasant place to go. Nevertheless it does represent why its important to get control of weeds and not let them take over.

When Tim and I ride for pleasure or to move cattle, weeds are everywhere. They are a constant reminder that our work is never done. They can take over pastureland very quickly and need very little water to thrive. Focusing on the weeds can be a bit overwhelming for sure. You can be preoccupied with the noxious and destructive effect weeds have on the plant life around it. As a result, you can miss the beauty that lies beyond the weeds.

Weeds have so many analogies in life. Weeds represent something that is difficult to get rid of, things that take root and are not healthy for our wellbeing. Weeds are undesirable, troublesome and grow faster than you can get rid of them. Weeds are somewhat like sin. As all humans are born into a sinful nature, we are faced with a constant need to deal with the weeds/sin n our life. Sin takes root so quickly and is often quite difficult to get rid of. Finding ways to root out sin requires diligent and focused effort so it does not take over. Praying for God to reveal the sin in our lives is critical. Plus prayer for the strength to deal with it is necessary to live a healthy life filled with joy and peace.

Before the fall of man, there was no such things as weeds. The Garden of Eden was filled with only life-giving plants and it was perfect. In Genesis 3:17-18 God said to Adam because you sinned, “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.” Thus, we can expect that we will have to deal with thorns, thistles, weeds and all kinds of noxious plants until we get to heaven. Furthermore, we will have to deal with the weeds/sin in our life until we are finally home in heaven.

I am looking forward to a day when I am not worried about problems or difficulties or immersed into the details of complex situations. Heaven is going to be filled with pure bliss, harmony, joy, peace, and so much more. No longer will I be troubled with the weeds in my life and that makes me joyfully expectant of what my future holds. Hallelujah!