BATTLING

 

BATTLING

Gardeners spend the season battling

newborn weeds each and every spring.

They might find grubs in the soil

making for unwanted toil.

The battle has turned to war

for dedicated gardeners.

Without fail, slugs will find the hostas.

Gardeners devise ways to take them hostage.

After they think aphids are under control,

they then find green worms on the flowering rose.

Yes, the battle has turned to war

for most dedicated gardeners.

Japanese beetles come every summer

making more work for the gardener.

Some years there are striped beetles and bugs galore.

A dedicated gardener is never bored.

Gardeners battle daily to win the war.

That’s a large part of being a gardener.

Not only will gardeners battle insects and beetles

they declare war on weeds – a season-long battle.

In flower beds, there are dandelions

or you might find two types of plantain.

Gardeners declare incessant war.

A yearly conquest for all gardeners.

At my house there’s unwanted purslane

and horsetails – both a genuine pain.

They both came in a load of topsoil

which now makes for constant labor and toil.

Though war is declared, the battle is waylaid.

This warrior’s combat has begun to fade.

Though the battle continues the season long,

unfortunately this war is never won.

Sometimes due to heat and humidity.

Other times because of lack of ability.

Partly from age or lack of action.

Mostly from procrastination.

* * * * *

Every day there’s a battle of some sort,

though unwanted, I’m sorry to report.

Gardeners battle with bugs and weed seeds,

but there are worse battles to wage against, indeed.

There are physical, emotional, and mental battles.

Everyone fights the battle of gossip. Please don’t tattle.

Physical battles come and makes life hard to deal.

Emotional battles take much longer to heal.

Mental battles with oneself even weaken the strong.

There are spiritual battles between right and wrong.

It seems we constantly battle something

for no one knows what a day will bring.

We battle not to eat too much,

otherwise we might end up feeling stuffed.

We battle not to spend too much

even though we already have too much stuff.

Battles are meant to make us stronger

so we’ll grow stronger faith and trust.

Pray that your battle does not linger,

that everything turns out fair and just.

Please don’t give up your battle

with whatever it is you are saddled.

Fight to win the battle by declaring war

and you’ll learn the good things God has in store.

This is what the Lord says to you:

'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.

For the battle is not yours, but God's...

Take up your positions; stand firm

and see the deliverance the Lord will give you...

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Go out to face them tomorrow,

and the Lord will be with you.'

Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld,

have faith...and you will be successful.

II Chronicles 20:15b, 17, 20b

"Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid or discouraged…

for there is a greater power with us than with him…

With us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles."

II Chronicles 32:7-8

If you make the Most High your dwelling -

even the Lord, who is my refuge -

then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways.

Psalm 91:9-11

"Because he loves me," says the Lord,

"I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call upon me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

Psalm 91:14-16

Story from Vol IV Life Is a Garden Party

available via Amazon.