First Things First
My daddy always said, ‘Measure twice, cut once.’ Good advice that can apply to many situations.
Here a while back, I was thinking about the day’s agenda and not paying attention while I was getting dressed. When I started to pull up my britches and saw my under-drawers still on the bed, I remembered I can’t think and do stuff at the same time. At least my britches were right side out and not on backwards. Of course, going commando was not good, so I started over.
When I was in a hurry to change clothes today, I took off a dress and tried to put some tight-legged pants on over my sandals. Didn’t work. And I knew better. Pre-planning is great when it is combined with a little wisdom and some serious common sense.
The other experience recently that I should have thought through first is my new flower garden area. My lack of preparation is showing up big time!
As we drive up to the back door, there is a brick wall that has wires and meters. It is the epitome of butt-ugly. I’ve needed to do something to disguise the area since we moved here. Nearly 20 years later, I’m gettin’ ’round to it!
I was so excited to get some jasmine that will climb up one trellis and mandevilla up another. If they have the decency to do as they are supposed to, that wall will be hidden with beautiful vines. At the rate they are growing, it may be a few years before they get the job done. Sigh.
Anyway. Without thinking through the process or planning anything ahead of time, Ronald dug me some holes, and I happily shoved the plants in just the perfect spot.
Except.
I should have dug up all the surrounding grass ahead of time. Live and learn, I guess. Obviously, I am learning this lesson a little late. This morning, I spent two hours trying to pull up grass around the thriving plants. I guess the grass likes the Miracle-Gro and extra water the good plants have been receiving because the grass was as lush as the plants and threatened to get taller than my little newly planted flowers! I sat on a small stool and pulled and pulled. I stood and tried to yank the roots loose with one of those hard-tined rakes. I tried using a shovel but after my recent experiences falling and my wobbliness standing on one foot and trying to pound with the other, I decided squatting down and digging with my fingers and tugging for all I was worth was the better choice. Sadly, I got too pooped out before I got a third of it done. Tomorrow is another day.
And I will remember to put down the landscape fabric first before spreading mulch!
This afternoon, I am doing what old ladies are prone to do when they’ve forgotten how old they are. I am sitting on ice packs.
But I’m also thinking. Since I am not doing anything else, I think I’m safe this time.
Though 1 Corinthians 14:40 is talking about spiritual matters, it seems to be wise advice across the board. ‘Let all things be done decently and in order.’ I’ll try to remember that next time.
But it is interesting to think on the results of things done in order in the spiritual world. 1 Corinthians 14:33 talks of the lack of confusion and the peace that comes when things are done in an orderly fashion. Hebrews 13:17 finds Paul rejoicing because there is order within the body of Christ and a firmness of their faith. Those who follow proper teaching and counsel of the Scripture will be filled with humility and care for others. Those whose homes are allowed to be ordered by God’s Truth will find love and blessings in abundance.
Sounds like a win/win to me. Not always easy, but definitely worth the effort.
Blessings
Kara Beth
