Shade Tree Wisdom 2/25/12

          Walking with a mild breeze, sometimes stronger, then less so, so walking was pleasant.

          When we moved to this home in 1985, there were a number of trees in the front yard, making an attractive sight.  Problem arose when poison ivy started to creep up.  That had been there before we bought, but the builder had carefully trimmed it down to the ground.

          That was something we wanted to get rid of, so we consulted with an A&M graduate.  He said we could keep on using Roundup, but that might harm other vegetation.  The best way would be to dig out the roots, and that was impossible with the rest of the growth.  So he suggested this, “and I am sure it will work”, he said..

          Rake away all the mulch to bare ground, then cover the ground with layers of newspaper, at least four pages thick.  Then put the mulch back over that, and that should solve the problem because the roots will find no sunshine, and so will die.

          It worked.  Though it meant hours of raking and mulching, taking care to cover the ground well.  Report.  We have not been troubled with poison ivy since.

          But we saw a need, and did something.

          These 40 days of LENT are meant to give us the time to tend to the poison ivy in our lives, and do something about it.  The best thing we do is admit it, then repent, and ask God’s gracious forgiving word.

          St. James writes this about temptation. ”Blessed is the man who endures patiently when he is tested.  When he passes the test, he will get the crown of life God promised to those who love him.” Then he describes temptation this way, “Everyone’s own desire tempts him, draws him away, and tries to trap him.  When desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin grows up, it gives birth to death.” James l, 12-15, (The Holy Bible)

          My prayer is that we, all of us, will use these precious days to see, and eradicate, the poison ivy growing in hearts.

GPD 2/25/12