Beauty in Ashes and Weeds Too

Warmer temps have me itching to be outdoors and in the garden.

Cutting plants back, applying fertilizer, and sewing seeds,

there is a lot to do in getting the garden ready for spring.

While tending to some garden chores I noticed a few patches of weeds in the grass.

Wild violets, with their tiny white and purple blooms, considered weeds when laced through the lawn.

Soon to be destroyed by the weed killer that was just been applied, I quickly gathered a few to bring indoors.

As I knelt down, digging up a few and transplanting to a glass bowl filled with fertilizer infused soil,

I couldn't help but marvel at the small and delicate flowers, they are so beautiful.

In the front window of the kitchen, I placed the glass dish inside this blue and white transferware bowl which really highlights all the colors.

All too real is the poison recently spread across the lawn,

knowing that once it enters the stem, leaves, and ultimately the beautiful blooms,

those still among the lawn will perish.

My thoughts quickly move to life,

living life.

Such an amazing gift.

We did nothing to earn it.

We don't know the number of our days.

Some cherish it.

Some squander the gift.

Life is beautiful, full of love and things that make us want to shout for joy!

It is also hard at times.

I began thinking about how God creates beauty from ashes and how he chose to make these weeds beautiful too.

Not all weeds are ugly.

Not all weeds need to be removed.

Wild violets along the mountail trail add beauty and provide nectar for the bees.

Not all weeds have prickly burs that stick to pant legs and pierce the skin.

But all weeds have a way of spreading profusely and most often they choke out the desired.

Life is full of weeds.

We are all imperfect people that make mistakes.

Each can cause annoyances and hiccups here and there for others.

Each can add blessings beyond measure.

Hopefully all strive to contribute much more joy and happiness to the lives of others than any combined annoyances.

It's a choice.

Some live a life that chokes out all that is true, and right, and good.

Sewing weeds that rob so much joy and happiness from themselves and others.

Could be a friend, loved one, spouse, wayward child, in any case it's hard to witness.

Choices.

To be a blessing, givers of kindness and love.

To choke out much that is good in of life, living in turmoil and chaos.

There is hope,

second chances,

ashes turned to beauty.

Beauty in ashes refers to adversities in life.

Beauty refers to how the Lord can turn adversities into good so He may be glorified.

History is full of men and women of faith who saw ashes before seeing beauty.

"...Giving them a garland instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.

So they will be called oaks of righteousness,

the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified."

Isaiah 61:3

From the song Beauty for Ashes:

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

When sorrow seems to surround you
When suffering hangs heavy o'er your head
Know that tomorrow brings wholeness and healing
God knows your need, just believe what He said.

When what you've done keeps you from moving on
When fear wants to make itself at home in your heart
Know that forgiveness brings wholeness and healing
God knows your need just believe what He said.

I once was lost but God has found me
Though I was bound I've been set free
I've been made righteous in His sight
A display of His splendor all can see.

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair.

Thanks for letting me share my heart with you today!

Sharing with: Grace at Home