So last night I knew that today I would be undertaking this project. So I planned out how everything would be. I figured what I had to bring to get the project done, I set an estimated amount of time it would take to complete the project, I even went as far as figuring out the steps that I would take to undertake this project successfully. So I woke up this morning, got the materials together, got into the car, and got to the place where this fence was going to be planted, brought out all the materials, and got to work.
The thing is, in theory the entire project seemed quite simple, in theory it didn't seem to hard, But as I tried to dig into the dry hard soil, I found myself having trouble. I began to exert so much effort and not get too far in the goal of digging a line for the fence.
So the first thing that I was able to put into perspective:
Things may seem simple and applicable in theory, but the actual carrying out of that theory may be a whole other endeavor.
I started getting really tired, I was already mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted from this week, this lack of progress wasn't helping. So I took a trip back home, changed my clothes, got hydrated, ate some food, and packed up some water to take with me.
The second thing I was able to put into perspective:
If I don't go into a situation properly equipped or prepared, I will be less effective, in turn wasting effort, time, and energy that could be used elsewhere
I didn't go into the situation properly prepared. I wore jeans and work boots, I had a light breakfast and a small glass of water. Yet the 90 degree weather completely shut down my body from the heat and lack of energy. My efforts were pointless. Yet after I came home, better equipped myself for the situation, and thought ahead of what my body would need in the situation, I went in with a whole new determination and refreshed.
So I get back to work, but this time, I take a water hose and completely soak up the dry soil in the line that I am trying to form. It was tedious, it was time consuming, but it was well worth it, because this time that I went to shovel out the line where I would be planting the hedges, the soil came out much easier and I was able to move faster. Third thing that I was able to put into perspective
Never make a situation harder than it has to be, especially if you have the resources around you to aid you.
You see, the hose was sitting there the whole time, I just didn't think to pick it up and moisten up the soil before trying to dig it out.
So the planting process begins, and I dig a hole along the dug out line to put these plants into. I don't know if you guys have dug a deep hole before but it isn't the most easiest of tasks. Especially if you have a big shovel and the hole you are trying to dig should be about the size of your hand. But after a lot of work the holes are dug, and the plants are put in, I reinforce the plant with a bunch of soil so it doesn't topple over. I get the hose and water the plants. Fourth thing I was able to put into perspective:
So much time, effort, and energy has been put into digging out this line, making the holes, and putting in the plants. But no matter how hard someone tries, they will never realize how much work was put into this project.
You know what's cool?
See in the real world, these four perspectives could get very frustrating.
In the real world carrying out a situation is already difficult in itself. See the concept of school is very idealistic and simple, but the actual carrying out of studying and taking tests and trying to balance it with life is very overwhelming. Going to work to make some money is a very easy concept in itself - but the idea of making money to end up spending it all on basic living expenses (mortgage, insurance, bills) is overwhelming. Spending time with your family and friends is an ideal and realistic situation in your mind, but when it comes to carrying that out - and balancing that time with your school/work/personal time - it could potentially become an overwhelming task.
How fortunate we are to have a God who is with us every step of the way - from the formulation of the concept, to the actual carrying out of the concept. The Lord tells us to "lean not on our own understanding"
In the real world going through a day could be a very strenuous and draining process. Getting up, going to school/work, coming home, getting things done for school/work/yourself, going to sleep - only to start it all back up again in the morning
How fortunate we are to have a God who prepares and equips us by simply interacting with him. He tells us to draw close, he gives us armor to handle any situation thrown at us, He provides for our needs at the perfect time.
In the real world true friends or people who care about you could seem so far away even when you are surrounded by them. You feel alone, you feel as if you are the only one dealing with the things that you are. You feel as if no one understands
How fortunate we are to have a God who sympathizes with us and with his blood has provided us with brothers and sisters who we can fellowship with and sharpen each other with. Because of this we never have to make a situation harder than it has to be, because we can take it to the Lord in prayer and have brothers and sisters who help hold us up.
In the real world, glory and fame are top priorities, pride runs sky high in your mind, you seek to elevate to the top for what is defined as "success". At times even things such as community service or selfless acts are really for our own personal satisfaction.
How fortunate we are to have a God who reserves all of the glory for himself, how fortunate is the fact that we can bring him glory through our feeble actions, thoughts, or heart.
How did I get from making a hedge fence to God's provision for us in the real world? I don't know. I guess that's just how God works . I guess if you think about it, you can see God in every situation you find yourself in.
Try it.
later :)
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