Pulling weeds

July 21, 2022

By Jeff Becraft

 

A few months ago, I was talking about what a rough start my yard was having and the importance of patience and perseverance in that which produces real life. Well, with all the rain we have been getting, our yard now looks the best it ever has.

For the most part, I actually like mowing the grass. I like being outside, you see instant results, and I enjoy the beauty that it produces.

I am not a fan, however, of pulling weeds. Even weed whacking doesn’t interest me as much.

So each week, I would focus on the beauty part and would mow the grass. The grass was growing so well that it was growing into this island we have in the front yard that has bushes and mulch. Along with the over-achieving grass, there were actual weeds also growing in the island.

I would see this week after week. But I don’t like pulling weeds and I wanted to focus on what was the majority of the yard and what was the beauty of the yard.

And week after week, the weeds just kept growing.

Finally, one night after dinner, around 8:00 p.m., I went out to deal with the weeds. I got down on my hands and knees and began clearing them out. The weather was a little cooler and you could see the progress being made. When I was done, it was a great feeling. I had accomplished something that had been hanging over me (or I should say, staring at me square in the face) for a long time.

Now, I am told that the best way to keep weeds out is to have healthy grass. Which is true. And I am also told that as people, we should focus 80% on our strengths and only 20% on dealing with our weaknesses.  Which is also true.

But there are times when we simply need to get down and pull out the weeds.

A friend of mine once said to me, “If you are not accomplishing what is most important to you each day, you need to find out why and fix it.”  You need to get rid of the weeds.

There are times when we need to get rid of that which is hindering us in our lives and truly clear the way for that which is beauty. Then we can truly grow and develop.

And when we clear out the weeds, it accentuates that which is really beautiful.

 

Jeff Becraft is the Director Emeritus for Youth Corps and has dedicated much of his life to helping shift the vision of people’s lives. Youth Corps is a life-changing leadership development experience that inspires high school students to be leaders in the Midlands and beyond. You can connect with Jeff at [email protected].