Back from Vacation

We are back home from a week of cabin time. We even left the basset hound home with a sitter. He tolerates the lake but doesn't love it unless he's out on a sniff. It is way too hot and buggy for that! So, we were able to read, work all kinds of puzzles, and eat well. As a frien used to say, "let your soul catch up to you". 

I have been back long enough to attend church and get to the barn.  Yesterday's Gospel was from Matthew: the parable of the weeds that grew up with the good seed. The parable instructs us that Jesus said to leave the weeds alone until the harvest when they would be bound and burned (by the angels at the 'end of the age'). The preacher went on to ask us "Where are the weeds in your life"? She quickly put to rest any notion I might have had that my life is pure and without weeds! After her list of examples, I'm sure we all have weeds. 

I was able to apply the lessons immediately when I arrived at the barn and it was confirmed for me that a certain riding instructor had been asked (told) to vacate the property by mid-August.  I have not been a fan for quite some time, and it was easy to jump into the gossip about how much more pleasant the barn is now (well, it is!). Finding fault with this person takes no effort (she really is annoying and takes advantage!).  Along with my compadres, I am glad she is moving on. But that has to point to a major weed patch in my heart. Though this woman behaves in ways that turn people away, surely she deserves my compassion. Her life is, and probably always will be, difficult. The defenses she was forced to develop to survive a hardscrabble childhood no longer serve her well, but she is loath to change. That is something to mourn, not just gossip about.

It would probably be a good idea to revisit the collect for purity I discussed a few posts back.

Lord Jesus, cleanse my heart from ill will toward others, including and especially those I don't care for. Every human face belongs to one of your beloved children. Help me to see people more as You see them, with the eyes of compassion and mercy. Help me tame my tongue when gossip flies. Remind me how often you accept my faults and stay by my side. Nurture the good seed in me and protect me from the weeds.

Amen