Primary relationship

I mentioned last night to an acquaintance that my garden was full of weeds. He simply asked, "Why?"

Why indeed.

I muttered something about not having enough time to weed the past two weeks. After all, this is the "Summer of Big Projects," and I am ensconced in one of the biggest ever, involving paint, brushes, and a kitchen in great disarray.

But it cut me to the quick. If I cared about this plot of land...if I enjoyed it and wanted to enjoy it more, it shouldn't be languishing under a blanket of invasive green creeping weeds. So I  spent 4 1/2 hours weeding yesterday. I didn't intend to spend that long, particularly on the first day of what I assume will be a long commitment, but the garden responded. It cooed under my loving hands, and stretched up as if to shake off a long sleep, and smiled back at me...

…like any relationship, once starved for time, attention and care, finally receiving what it needs, and responding with reciprocate  joy. 

We often hear that our priorities are indicated by where we spend our time, no matter what our intentions or the words of our mouths. I hate that. It is cliché and not a little obnoxious. Our lives are lived under a barrage of interruptions and distractions. It is just a fact. But when someone questions why there are weeds in your garden, you need to seriously consider...

And I did. And I heard the metaphor loud and clear. My primary relationship had gotten blurry with inattention. Once again I took for granted the fact that I can come at any moment into the presence of my Creator and tell Him anything, and hear Him tell me the Truth about myself and how He loves me because that Truth is that I am the apple of His eye. Or as Misty Edwards sings, "...here I am, Your favorite one." I am His favorite one.*  Why would I not seek to be with Him every second of every moment of every blasted day? We are a stupid (slow) people. 

I will tend my Garden. You?

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* As are you.