Weeds

I never pictured myself pulling weeds tirelessly in a squatting position on a hot summer day. That is because first, Chinese hate sun. The sun umbrella is one of our greatest inventions. Second, I knew nothing about gardening growing up. I had to Google “what is the difference between perennials and annuals?” When Aisela gave me an introductory lecture on plants, she started with: “Look, this one is a tree.”

Our family decided to plant some flowers and vegetables last year. We started with snapdragons, marigolds, sunflowers, strawberries and herbs. Since then, we found ourselves spending much more time outside, to water the plants, to check on the ripening fruit, to cut some basil for my chicken dish, or to simply enjoy a cold drink in that space. Summer days became fun and fruitful. It was a fairy tale until the villain showed up: the weeds.

Weeds are easy to deal with when they are small and when the roots are weak. But if neglected for a while, weeds will overgrow and choke all the desirable plants in the area. After a month of vacation last July, I came home to a garden bed with an excessive amount of weeds. Instead of changing and unpacking, I looked for my garden gloves and started weeding. Not only did I voluntarily put myself to hard work in the sun, to my surprise, I did it with great joy and satisfaction. My desire to kill weeds is proportional to my love for my plants.

Is that how God sees sin? He loves us too much to allow sin. If allowed, sin will deepen its roots, grow its leaves, and eventually take over.  Only when sin is dealt with promptly, can we grow freely.  I am fortunate to have God as my loving and relentless gardener.