Yesterday while it was so gorgeous outside I heard my flower beds calling me. Droopy stems from Day Lilies, dead leaves, dandelions and dangling branches was the name of my garden when I began! Why is it that the things that are undesirable flourish? They come back like unwanted ants at a family picnic. The undesirable element in my garden was wild onions. Everywhere I turned they were there, dancing in the wind and laughing at me while I tried to get to their roots and yank them from their residence. If this was edible food I could have fed the neighborhood.
I made my way to the backyard where my little herb garden is. After clearing away some of the debris winter had left, I was delighted to find my hardy plants flourishing as they do, being perennials. Then I pulled away some leaves and was even happier to find that the parsley had also returned. I remember even saying out loud, “Oh yea! You came back!” Parsley can be a bi-annual herb in some locations. This plant was green and quite a good size for early spring.
My thoughts went immediately to the difference in my attitude at finding the parsley as opposed to discovering the onions in the front yard. Those onions are useless; they’re pop up where they’re not wanted, they’re not attractive, and they smell! Parsley is just the opposite: it’s useful as a garnish or in cooking, it’s desirable (I planted it in the herb garden and it stayed there!), it’s a pretty plant and is so fragrant when it’s fresh.
What am I like to those that know me – a wild onion or a fresh herb? When my family, friends, fellow-church members, neighbors, and people in town see me coming are they glad at my appearance, or do I make them wish they could “yank me out of their yard?” Let’s be honest, we’ve all know “wild onion” people. It made me stop and think about the characteristics that would make me be undesirable to others:
· Being loud, talking too much, saying whatever comes to my mind – Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin; but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
· Being touchy and sensitive – Proverbs 20:3 – It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
· Complaining, being unthankful – II Timothy 3:1,2 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves…unthankful, unholy.
This list could continue on, but let’s think about the opposite for a moment. How can I be a blessing to others so that they would desire to be with me?
· Speak words of Truth – Encourage others using the Word of God. Proverbs 16:24 – Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
· Think before speaking – Proverbs 15:23 – A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth; and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
· Walk in the Spirit and be joyful! Galatians 5:22 – The fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY…
· Be appreciative and express it to others – Proverbs 11:16 – A gracious woman retaineth honor…
Proverbs 10:7 says that the memory of the just is blessed. This isn’t referencing a “good” person. A just person is one who has trusted Christ as their Savior from sin. When you know Christ as your Savior, He gives joy unspeakable! When we’re walking closely to Him, keeping sins confessed, we can be a delightful discovery to those that encounter us! We all need to ask ourselves, “Which am I – a wild onion or a fresh herb ?”
What kind of person is a special blessing to you? Tell me about them.
Yesterday while it was so gorgeous outside I heard my flower beds calling me. Droopy stems from Day Lilies, dead leaves, dandelions and dangling branches was the name of my garden when I began! Why is it that the things that are undesirable flourish? They come back like unwanted ants at a family picnic. The undesirable element in my garden was wild onions. Everywhere I turned they were there, dancing in the wind and laughing at me while I tried to get to their roots and yank them from their residence. If this was edible food I could have fed the neighborhood.
RefreshHer 
Denise, You are not a wild onion but a sweet smelling herb!But even wild onions can be used,in moderation, to flavor food!
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