Clearing land is one of my favorite activities, this began on our family farm after we cleared 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 like tuning out and getting focused on something good.
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 green vine that likes to grab a tree and cling forever.
They simply won't let go, even in the wind which means you must pull them out. These vines are strong and loaded with thorns, 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 each new day we must be strong 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 thick with thorns and is just the beginning of a good clearing that began prior to our icy weather. My hope is to finish soon so I can prep the ground for a berry garden.
The foundation is good and to succeed I need to stay in tune by avoiding negative distractions.
Drama has this way of finding me and this kind of activity is destructive, it keeps us from doing good. Similar to how this space has been kept from reaching its full potential.
Wanting better for ourselves is smart, this simply means we won't settle.
To tackle such an idea, we will always need good tools and grit.
Tools to Remove Thorns
When I clear land, I use specific tools to help remove the clutter. But mostly I need to stay focused on the finish line and really 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.
So, you can see the list of tools to complete this project are important if I plan to reach my goal. I couldn't do this project without these tools. But there is an even bigger tool that I use, the one that is most important before I walk outside to clear.
Every morning, I read my bible with a cup of coffee in hand. It's become part of a 6-year routine that gets my day off to a positive beginning.
I want better for my life, and I have found this comes through reading scripture. Reading straight through has changed my life and given me the strength to make better decisions.
It gives us the hope that there is something grand waiting for us but most of all it helps me make sense of this life.
This is the best part of my day; 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 even better I can forgive others in the process so that I can live 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 it free to produce goodness. The result is goodness from the heart.
This is a reminder that it's okay to consider removing what is pulling us down in order to live a better life and just become better people.
Encouraging Goodness,
Carole West
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