I felt sadness when my plants were attacked. I felt the pain of all my hard work, the resources and time invested. I shed a tear and wanted to give up. As a way of comforting myself l began to see a different perspective and thought about the devourers. l began to imagine the birds being innocent flying past looking for food and suddenly they see a patch unattended and with all the goodies .
They look around and see there are no traps or barriers, in their minds this is a great moment and a miracle and begin to enjoy the delicacy. In no time there was a party going on.
It is the same with the pets or young kids playing with something precious to you, they just think oh that’s a nice new place to play but do not intent to destroy. I call these the Unintentional destroyers- the birds, the kids, insects looking for food or just to play.
I would liken this to some of our relationships. Sometimes we feel emotions of heartbreak, betrayal because of what another person has done to us,. A friend or family member may hurt us but unintentionally. They may be thinking they are doing good, however we still experience pain and it may take a while to heal. Sometimes we may need help to get over this.
The destroyer / enemy of good of progress
As a first time gardener ,everything was a learning curve. My plants were doing well and l had just transplanted them and growing. l didn’t know that there are ways of protecting them from birds such as netting. One beautiful morning l got the shock of my life, my garden was infested with birds. I had not realised that, having a large tree, it encourages wildlife. A joy and beauty to see different kinds of birds perching. Squirrels climbing trees was going to be a curse. Most of my plants were looking like there is no hope.
I had to do something and protect the rest of the garden. I am grateful of a community of gardeners on social media and where you could easily post questions and get answers instantly. In no time my plants were shielded with netting and that was the end of bird infestation. However, my vegetables were still in dire stress, l had to keep on feeding, watering them and hope they recover. As weeks went by l could see a ray of hope.
It is the same in our lives, sometimes we are so fixed on doing the right thing, and everything appear to be going on well as we planned and suddenly we get hit by something that damages us or hurt us, the bible says in John 10:10 the thief comes to steal , kill and destroy.
1Peter 5:8 says Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
During the garden experience l realised that l need to be on guard as much as l plan for the good. l also need to consider and weigh the likelihood of an attack or a suddenly, and put the right measures for prevention. In most cases we can only minimise the damage and not eliminate the risk completely. We have One who is above everything and our Anchor. When we look up to Him and allow Him to direct our paths and we obey His word, He is faithful to protect us and see us through any challenges that may come our way. He is a wonderful counsellor.
Comments