I have something to write about tonight. Pokeweed. I know that God created everything, but I wish he’d forgotten pokeweed. It ranks right up there with mosquitoes – on the “what is the purpose of this thing?” list.
When we moved to our current home five years ago there was a big open space where the previous owner had fenced in and raised deer. When we previewed the home in the winter, we had no idea that big open space would become a field of weeds. The first year the field filled with then-unknown plants that quickly grew to over six feet tall. Basically, we just ignored it until my dad came to visit and recognized them.
Pokeweed. Very invasive. And very poisonous. Ten berries will kill a fully grown human. Ought oh.
We’ve been trying to kill off this “crop” ever since. A touch of poison here, a pulling of weeds there, and still more and more and more seem to grow up. Today we brought home three lambs and realized we did not have all the pokeweed removed from their new pasture or their fence lines. I spent much of the afternoon pulling these weeds. Finding more, pulling again. Over and over and over. None were six feet high, but some were beginning to produce berries and my one aim at this point (after keeping the sheep from eating them) is to keep the pokeberry plants from reproducing!!
I did a very little bit of theological reflection this afternoon. It went something like this:
- God’s overflowing creativity gave us majestic oaks, beautiful petunias, and even annoying pokeweed.
- Doing outdoor physical work is good for the body and soul. It felt good to be out in the fresh air and sunshine improving our home, working together as a family. I’m grateful for beautiful weather, physical strength to do good work, and purpose in that work.
- What in the world could God have been thinking when he designed pokeweed?!?! Couldn’t God have forgotten to load the pokeberry seeds (and the mosquitoes) on Noah’s ark?? Is this part of the “fallen, sinful world” that we just have to deal with?
None of this is too deep, but it does remind me that God cares about the little things, too. He cares about these three lambs we now have, as much as he cares about you and me. He knows meaningful work is good for us. And he gives us strength to do things we may not want to do.
So, tonight, I’m not quite thankful for pokeweed, but am thankful that (maybe) this post made someone smile.
Creative God,
Thank you for smiles, sunshine, beautiful weather, breezes, and purpose in our lives. Thank you for mysteries that remind us to trust you. Thank you for challenges that keep us sharp. Thank you that you know all that’s going on in our lives and you care about each and every thing. Help us to trust you, even when we don’t know the “how” or “why” of something. Help us to remember that in ALL things you work together for our good.
And, please, kill off our pokeweed.
In Jesus’s name I ask, Amen.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31 NIV)
“In all things God works for the good of those who love him.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)