Mowing Grass
It’s grass mowing season in South Texas, and recent rains mean that lawns need to be cut weekly. Experts say that if the grass gets too long, it becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other varmints.
So, when a neighbor complained on social media about the high grass and weeds on area esplanades and berms, I wholeheartedly agreed. At first, the respondents concurred and offered the names of various agencies that could be contacted for help. Some even suggested drawing up a petition to present to our elected representatives.
But other respondents preferred terrain with native grasses. They felt that naturalized landscapes are better able to filter excess stormwater and to reduce sediment and pollutants from entering the water ways. Some postulated that our tax dollars would be better spent on infrastructure, crime, human trafficking, and teachers' pay.
Eventually the discussion drizzled out, while the grass continues to grow, and nothing is being done. We are now at grass gridlock.
While people are often at loggerheads with each other, it seems to be getting worse. Some stand for the flag while others kneel. Some take the COVID-19 vaccine while others don’t. If you want to start an argument, just bring up flash-point topics like abortion, gun control, climate change, immigration reform, and capital punishment.
Most of you have already made a decision on these heated topics. But the arguments still rage, and sometimes violence breaks out. How can we settle this beast of quarreling that threatens to devour our entire nation?
One man said that “Americans like to settle issues with confrontive arguments. But deep down, we are still Americans and we will unify if something really big comes against us.” Really?
When Islamic extremists attacked the World Trade Center in 2001, there was an initial rush to unity, but that soon faded. More recently, the unprecedented pandemic threatened to kill millions of Americans, but instead of unity, the discussion devolved into anger and insurgence. No, “something really big” is not the answer.
The only answer to the hatred and chaos in America today is Jesus and His righteous and holy love. As Paul wrote in Colossians 3:14 ESV, “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Truth: It is God’s plan to bring peace to mankind through His Son Jesus. As it says in Ephesians 1:10 ESV, “As a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” Only God can bring the unity we need.
And the good news about our overgrown grass is: “The grass withers and the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8 ESV)
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