This morning I noticed, yet again, for it has occurred to me before, that I have a tendency to care more attentively to the things that are beautiful and performing well, while overlooking those things that are less beautiful or performing poorly.
I noticed this while caring for some hanging flower baskets that had been gifted to us. When I received the three of them, I promptly placed them around our house where I thought they’d be happy.
Now, three months later, one of them is absolutely gorgeous while the other two have suffered a fair amount. Yes, that is sad. But what is sadder yet, is that I find myself gravitating toward the lush, beautiful one, watering and feeding faithfully, and deadheading diligently, while shying away from the two that are struggling. I look at the beautiful one with admiration and the sad ones with pity, poor things, how they struggle so.
But, stopping just short of allowing them an honorable death, I obligingly continue to water, fertilize and deadhead the sad ones. With slight judgment of heart, I smugly think, I’ve done all I know to do, it must be them.
So, this morning when this question came to mind yet again, I had to know, do I do this with people? Gravitate towards the beautiful ones? The nice ones? The ones I’m comfortable with? The outwardly prosperous ones? The good performers? Do I gravitate toward those who, in my opinion, from my perspective, have it all together? The ones like me?
Or, and this one’s scary… the ones whom I can latch onto for my own benefit?
And, do I avoid those who are disagreeable, irritating, frustrating, hurting, struggling, poor, ugly, crass, cause me to feel uncomfortable, or whom I otherwise see as difficult? Do I try to rescue the hurting ones, only to get frustrated when they reject my un-requested sage advice? Or do I reject the poor performers, i.e. those not performing up to my standards?
Now, I get it, plants are not people – at least I don’t think so, though that’s likely up for debate in some circles – and even with all good intentions of both parties, sometimes they still reject honest good advice. And, then there’s those who truly hurt, yet have no intention of changing, though talking about it a lot seems to alleviate their occasional urge to take action.
Yes, there is all that, with myriad examples and situations, which we could discuss forever. That doesn’t really matter. For this is a moment of examination into my heart.
And, yes, I confess, I am guilty of these behaviors at times.
Father, please forgive me for where and when I’ve overlooked, misjudged, and acted arrogantly and unloving toward someone. Change my perspective toward all Your people. Grant me patience and understanding. Remind me that I also am them. And to pray for them. Make sure I hear Your Heart. Lead me in the way everlasting for Your Name’s sake. Amen.
Candi Runyon
BYNA Strategic Prayer Director
