Clearing land is one of my favorite activities, this began on our family farm after opening a tree line so I could raise Jacob sheep.
The end result was energizing and with every new clearing project I am reminded of that space.
Removing rubble is powerful because it allows you to focus on something else.
Sometimes I use this time to sort through things that might be troubling. I tackle these endeavors with a prayer for strength to push through.
My latest clearing is right off the garden. An area filled with thorns and not just any thorn. They grow on a strong green vine that likes to grab a tree and cling.
They simply won't let go, even in the wind which means you must pull them out by hand. These vines are strong, loaded with thorns and removing takes determination.
On a good clearing day, I normally walk away with a huge burn pile, thorns in my scalp and scratches on my face and arms.
This project reminds me of life; we walk through rubble almost daily even if we can't see it. With every step I choose to shine and have discernment to overcome these obstacles.
We must learn how to protect our heart from thorns.
The Beginning of a Good Clearing
This area is the beginning of a good clearing. It's thick which means you dive in from the edge working your way through. My hope is to complete this sooner than later so I can prep the ground for a berry garden.
The foundation is good and to succeed I am avoiding negative distractions and trading them for something better. This isn't me being selfish; it simply means my time is precious.
I am focused on removing thorns not just from this space but from my heart.
To tackle this, good tools and grit is a requirement.
Tools to Remove Thorns
When I clear, specific tools are used to remove the clutter. But mostly I need to stay centered on my goals and embrace the progress even if the progress is small.
- First tool is a must, leather work gloves.
- My axe, I grab the base of each vine, hack it free and pull them out.
- My Stihl electric trimmer, for removing limbs and thick bushes.
- Stihl weed eater to cut down tall grass/weeds.
- Shovel to spread out any dirt build up.
- Rake to remove rubble.
The tools to complete this project are very important but there is an even bigger tool. This is the most important before I begin each day.
Every morning, I read my bible with a cup of coffee in hand. This activity became part of a six-year routine to help me connect with Christ and understand Gods plan for my life.
It has helped me improve my outlook and allows me grace to stay genuine simply because I want better for my life.
I have found this comes through connecting with scripture. Reading through the bible has given me the strength to make better decisions.
From the Old Testament to the New I have been able to embrace the goodness. This is the best part of my day because it has grounded my soul. Knowing I can't be perfect, but I can be loved for who I was created to be is the best feeling.
Knowing I can be forgiven for my shortcomings is huge and forgiving others has set me free.
I think this is why I love clearing land so much because it is the real life visual of what can happen when we take away the thorns from our heart.
The Result
So, as I remove the thorns from this small space, I am setting the ground free to produce something positive. The result is goodness from the heart.
This is a reminder that it's okay to consider removing what is pulling us down. Sometimes this is necessary to live a better life and just become better people.
Encouraging Goodness,
Carole West