Weeding? Last I checked this wasn’t a gardening blog but in this case I’m not referring to the actual weeds you pull from the soil in the ground. I’m talking about the weeds that have a stranglehold on our time. The weeds that can often impersonate as beautiful flowers yet can cleverly, and ever so slyly, distract us from the very things that are most important in our lives. The thing with weeds is that they start out so innocently, with a few here and there, but if we aren’t alert and focused to what those weeds are doing, they quickly can take over and choke out any beauty that gets in its path.
The last couple of weeks I have spent some time analyzing the weeds in my garden in hopes of combating the funk that I have been in.
The truth is there are some weeds in my garden of life that need some pruning. And some of those things aren’t necessarily so bad when done in moderation but moderation I’ve never been so good at. I’m an all in or nothing kind of girl. That elusive balance….definitely not one of my strengths. Thankfully because I know this about myself I’m very selective about what I normally say “yes” to.
However I was very surprised to learn that one of my favorite activities (and something that will be very difficult for me to prune back) is in fact choking out a large portion of my day’s time by as much as 3 hours a day! That would be the time I’m spending reading and commenting on other blogs in any given day. I had no idea it was as bad as it was because until now I’ve never stopped to add it up….5-10 minutes here, 1/2 an hour there can easily get disguised as “work” and while I do think it’s important, it’s not more important than some of the other priorities in my life at the moment. Some of those other priorities (like exercise and cleaning for instance) aren’t necessarily as much fun or give back as much in way of instant gratification but are still important nonetheless. Oh and how I love to read blogs, at last count I was following over 200 blogs in my feed reader, all ones that I enjoy very much. Yet for me, I know that is too many.
Those weeds, they are sneaky. The longer we go without weeding, the more overwhelming it can be.
I also know that I need to spend more time soaking up God’s word and paying attention to the direction and priorities HE has for my life. I do not want to give the weeds permission to choke this time out of my schedule any longer. I need to be mindful about where these weeds are popping up so I can uproot them before they stunt the grow of all that is meant to thrive.
And so in hopes that I am not alone I ask you, do you have any weeds that are strangling the beautiful flowers in your life that so desperately want to bloom?
“Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word, but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in, and choke the work, making it unfruitful”
Mark 4:19
Elaine says
I think you hit the nail on the head when you called the stuff that keeps us from what we were meant to do weeds.
Weeds are those plants that are growing where they are not wanted. While commenting on someone’s blog may not be a bad think in itself if it keeps you from your family or from God then it becomes a sin. That is definitely something that I need to think about.
Thanks so much for the reminder of what is really important.
Avlor says
The net is always going to be a difficult balance for me. I’ve had to often trim back on the number of blogs I read. I’m back down to 40 (after having to cut back again this morning).
Multi-Tasking Mommy says
Arg! This has been the year of weeds, more so in the grass than in the garden, but still.
Being preggos this summer, I haven’t been all that motivated or capable of bending over to week all that much and well…the hubby…..nuff said.
So, we are invaded by weeds. I’m hoping that it won’t come to bite us in the butt next year!
Jessica says
Agreed! And, well spoken!
I, too, find myself absorbed in blogland for many hours each night. I’ll find a new blog and read it for hours. Then, one blog leads to another which leads to another and before I know it, I’ve added 3-4 new blogs to my reader in a single night. It’s ridiculous.
We should schedule blog/internet time just like we schedule everything else. It works for exercise, why not for blogging!
Great post!
Thea @ I'm a Drama Mama says
I would have to say the computer and Stinkin’ Thinkin’. Pure and simple, I’ve had a bad attitude lately…
Organising Queen says
Beautiful post, Laura.
I also added about 15 blogs during the August Declutter Challenge to my reader and most of those I need to “weed out” 😉 I’ll schedule time to do them in an hour or so.
But on a more spiritual note, you are so right and I could also use more time with God, especially at this time in my life.
~Marcia~
Cassandra Stafford says
I have cut out Facebook altogether except for an occassion pop in and out to chech on my college host students. other than that, i have limited myself to a handful of blogs that I really connect with. Because moderation is hard for me too. Add to that, being in college and raising three kids and church activities and I feel scattered and pulled and like God is getting second or twentiest best. And oh how He deserves to be first! 🙁
The Roost says
I get my garden weeded just in time to see them return….constant battle and attack of the enemy to keep our eyes off of God and His priorities in our life……What is “funny” though is when I get my priorities straight i still do have time for fun stuff just maybe not as much as I would like but the right amount non the less….ALL ways….seek ye first the kingdom of God & His rightousness and all these things shall be added unto thee :))
Koningskind says
Your post is so good to read.
It is shocking to realise that the time we spend on activities shows us a total different priority-order than we think we have.
I will go weeding in many parts of my life.
Thanks for this eye-opener.
Marcia "HDMac" McFar says
Very good post, Laura. And I do have weeding to do! Time spent with God should always be the priority! Thanks for this thoughtful post!
Tammy says
I’m really not sure how to respond to this post – since you’ve really opened my eyes about my own personal weeds. God really spoke to me through this blog and I feel very convicted about the pace I’m trying to keep up lately.
GOD BLESS YOU for this blog! This post was perfectly written.
Susanne says
Hoo boy, Laura. I’m constantly fighting this battle. As for blog reading and subscribing in bloglines, I’ve just had to get really tough with myself. Every 3 months or so, I go through the list and just have to be tough and pare it down. I have to remind myself why I got into blogging in the first place and then just start letting some go.
TV is also a big weed around here if I let it be.
This was very well written Laura! Thanks!
Niki says
Laura, I hear you on this issue. I too have to keep track of how many I am reading, I keep those near and dear to my heart. My intent to staying home with the kids, not spending time on the computer. I am always trying to keep that balance but it is a struggle.
Holly says
Amen sister! Yes, I have the same weeds. It makes me feel so terrible that I just don’t have the time to study my Bible daily yet I do have time to spend on the internet. That time just seems to be growing daily. I’m glad that you wrote this. I will take it as a wakeful call.
You rock!!
Jenny says
Great analogy Laura!!
vanessa says
At the end of the day all that matters is our heart is right before God. Just listen to Him and your weeds will come up. I love your blog but have never left a comment. I am praying for you sister that your life will be so full of the joy of the Lord. No matter if you read 5 blogs or 50 I pray that your pleasure would be found in your King!!! BLessings
susieshomemade says
I am pretty good at time management so, my garden is pretty balanced. It is an interesting question to ask yourself.
Steph says
My weeds are internet time (something I have cut down drastically on lately) as well as stuff. I mean things, clutter, junk whatever you want to call it. Our house is small our family is bigger than said house should accommodate and I’m married to a pack rat. I spend too much time putting away things that everyone else insists on keeping. This one is harder for me because I can’t make DH declutter and he gets really pissed if I try and help him do it. This is a weed I haven’t quite figured out how to pluck. 🙂
Hope@Pinkadoodledoo says
That is exactly what God has been saying to me lately too! I’m working on a schedule to set aside specific times throughout the day/week that I blog to help keep my time and priorities in check.
Also, He’s been letting me in on a big weed that’s growing with not taking care of myself. You know, diet and exercise! I’m currently working really hard on bringing down that stronghold! Great discussion!
tracy-lynne says
I agree, I get distracted too-but I am thankful for the many things that God has given me. PS I still love your blog.
Suzanne says
Wow, what an eye-opener of a post. I know this is what is going on with me but didn’t have an idea of what to call it. Pulling the weeds would be a great thing for me. Thanks for the inspiration!
Ms.Tee says
Hey there – I found you thru Pennies in my Pocket and I’ve been reading for a while – just haven’t commented til now.
You are definitely not alone – I feel the same way. Thanks so much for sharing your heart and writing this!
Organizing Mommy says
Praise the Lord for making the Word of God part of your new plan. I will let the blog RSS feeds get up to 2 or 3 each and then read them/comment at the same time. Seems to work for me. I keep up with 20. Blessings.
Sarah S. Chicken says
I’m glad you’re weeding. I did some real weeding today and it was refreshing. I’ve also been thinking about the other kind of weeding. Some of it will happen automatically but I’m ready for a little peace around here.
Sarah S. Chicken says
BTW- Re-made my office and it looks great. Looking forward to sharing it with your readers when you get the official Mr Linky going…
Kay D says
This is a reminder I soooo needed. I currently have 180 blogs in my google reader. I spend way too much time on this computer! Think I’m going to be pulling some weeds tonight. Why does it have to be so hard?!? 😉
Enjoy the rest of your week!
Heavenly Homemaker says
I really feel like I’ve been weeding for the past month…really searching for what I need to knock out of my life and schedule. It’s amazing how much better I’ve been feeling (physically, emotionally and spiritually) after letting God and my busband help me figure out what’s really important for me to be doing. It’s been AMAZING too how much I’ve been enjoying my boys!!! And my home!!
Now, if you actually take a look at my garden…it will look like I haven’t been weeding at all…but you and I know better… 🙂
Sarah says
wow! this is so true!
Adrian says
Is there any chance you could point me towards any posts you have on organizing papers? I teach a Messy Mom’s class (self-explanatory, I think) and several of my clients have asked for help in organizing their papers. I figured you’d probably have some great solutions, but I went back several months in your archives and couldn’t find anything.
Tracy says
I too have had to do a little weeding lately. Its kind of weird you know that so many people right now are feeling the same way.
I spend way too much time on the computer & not doing the things I need to. Like exercising, sewing, organizing or just plain taking care of myself.
I wish I was an organizing junky like you but unfortunately I’m just a pile it here and there kind of girl!!
Susan says
I could not agree more! I have been weeding lately… and God has really spoke to me about my blogging.
Its not a bad thing at all… I was just using time that could have been spent with the Lord, my kids or hubby. I am so glad that I am not alone 🙂 Thanks girl!
Kristin says
I sooo know what you mean. I would stay up reading my list of blogs and then go to bed and be too tired to read a few verses in the bible.
I’ve cut back to 1 hour a night on days that I work and 2 a day on my days off.
It makes me feel a little bit better tha I’m not the only one.
Have a good day!
Virtually Organized says
Beautifully written, Laura! With your eyes wide open to your priorities, life becomes a joy rather than an overwhelming jumble.
Debbie
Laurie says
I was doing something mundane last weekend and was thinking how fast my life falls apart when I look away for just a minute. It made me think of my life as a fragile ecosystem that has to be balanced. I really like your garden-weeds concept too. I have a lot of trouble with balance too. Thanks for the great post and the reminder of what is really important! I love reading your blog too!
Creative Triplet Mom says
I actually did some real weeding this week. The kind where you pull out from the ground. I hate to garden so this was a lot of work. But seriously, I too read a lot of blogs. I have been deleting here and there some blogs which I haven’t really read lately and have just been scrolling and scrolling. Waste of time. Of course, your blog is the one which I read first every day so I hope you still continue to blog as I will so miss your posts. A lot has been going on in my life lately so I haven’t really been blogging myself but I did start to menu plan again and actually am using google calendar to help with that. I just can never get myself to really be organized to stick with it. I’m trying though.
Forgetfulone says
What a beautiful post! I had no internet for three days, and I survived, to my surprise. I do spend countless hours on this. By the way, I’m linking to you in a post for Friday.
Carolyn McElroy says
Boy, does this hit home!!! I spend so much time on the computer w/e-mails, web sites, and blogs! I’m trying to cut down so that I can to back to devotion time w/the Lord. I’ve been through some really hard times and haven’t had that alone time w/Him in so long and I do miss Him!! Thank you so much for pointing this all out and nudging us to “pull those weeds”! This is my first time at this blog and I know in my heart that He sent me!! Thanks you so very much!! God Bless You!!! C:o)
Kelli@GohnCrazy says
Absolutely struggling with the same thing. And the balance is very very tough. I, too, am an all or nothing kind of person. Great post.
Michelle says
Wow. I have been feeling convicted that I need to do some weeding for a while, but it’s just so hard to do it! Today I’m going to go through and eliminate some of my bookmarks. The internet is not bad unto itself, but you are right, many, many weeds flourish when left unchecked. Thank you for a great eye-opening post, and another way to look at things!
Michelle says
Wow. I have been feeling convicted that I need to do some weeding for a while, but it’s just so hard to do it! Today I’m going to go through and eliminate some of my bookmarks. The internet is not bad unto itself, but you are right, many, many weeds flourish when left unchecked. Thank you for a great eye-opening post, and another way to look at things!
Melinda says
What a great reminder. I could have written this entry myself. Thank you so much for the gentle kick in the pants.
Scratchin' the Surfa says
It might not work for anyone else, but it works for me – I limit the # of blogs I follow to 50, including family, and divided them into the 6 days of the week. I read them that day, and leave it at that. Otherwise we’d never have meals or clean sheets around here!
Creative Triplet Mom says
You are certainly right on this and I love the way you worded everything. I actually used some of your words in a resignation letter. Thank you. Hopefully this will release some of my stress.
Homemaker Barbi (Dan says
I have also found that blog reading and commenting can take up a lot of time. Sadly, when I get really busy my blog reading is the first thing to be cut out. It’s a delicate balance to get blogging time into perspective with blog-reading time!
Homemaker Barbi (Danelle Ice)
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