I remember the days of old, I think about all your deeds, I meditate on the works of your hands.   Psalm 43:5

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God. Psalm 43:5

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Working in the yard is one of my favorite activities. With record warm temperatures this spring, I have spent more time than usual pulling weeds. It’s fascinating to observe how weeds hang on in spite of our efforts to get rid of them.

I try to pull young weeds before they bloom or before the blossoms fade, because the dried-up blossoms form seeds which germinate and make more weeds. But some weeds reproduce from just a part of the root that remains in the soil. And some weeds have root systems that run deep and wide. Then there are some that can spread when a portion of the stem forms roots, or by tubers, or rhizomes, or spores. I marvel that God created such intricate methods for weeds to survive.

Like the weeds, we at times feel unwanted, cursed, unappreciated, cast out. But just as God provided for the weeds to survive, God also provided for us: we have God’s constant presence through nature and other people; we have God’s ear in prayer 24/7; and we have hope, always.

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God, thank you for your amazing creation, where we can learn from something as mundane as the weeds which plague us.               Amen

Dana Feldman