One stone (and a lot of logs)

Monday morning musings as I settle in to work mode. The back garden is a log pile after we trimmed back some trees and the neighbour removed two big trees. I am still waiting for the tree company to come and cut up the wood and remove the excess. However, I am inspired to reuse and recycle as much as I possibly can as logs, planters, walkways and stumps for our new firepit area that I have in my head but need muscles to implement. Pinterest has LOTS of great ideas. Adam's lifting his eyebrows at me a lot!

I have been pondering (amidst the sound of chainsaws) a couple of things:
1. Pruning is drastic. When I see our poor denuded trees, it's painful beyond description. Yet I know that our Brazilian pepper tree will regenerate in just two years.
2. Roots go deep and have unintended consequences. The neighbour took out his trees because they got into the sewer lines and he can't use his toilets.
3. Sometimes we need to cut down trees to let the sun through into the shade areas. My back wall now gets sun for 7 hours a day (2 before, if that), and my grass is now getting the sun it desperately needs.
4. You need help to carry out the logs left behind after pruning.
5. Pruning is messy.
6. Some things in our life are good (i.e. not bad) but still need to be cut down to make way for God.
7. If you are intentional, it can take you just 15 minutes to cut down something that took 50 years to grow.

OK, leaving the buzz of the imminent chainsaws behind, although I am waiting for them to arrive to finish off the cutting, here's my report back on the 5 Stone Challenge:

1. I managed to wear a dress every day except Sunday.
2. When I didn't put music on, sometimes Jessica did.
3. I was up when they all left (albeit frantically making sarmies)
4. De-clutter. Well, Jessica's cupboard looks better, so does Luke's, mine is ordered, the lounge is tidier, the study... er. Help.
5. Exercise. Still a bit of an ex. Mmm. Need some encouragement here.

Leaping sideways, here's my thought for the week and challenge ahead. Just one stone to add to my pile this week: quietness of heart.

 Isaiah 30:15:

¹⁵ This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:

“In repentance and rest is your salvation,
    in quietness and trust is your strength,
    but you would have none of it.”

May I live this week in repentance and rest. May quietness and trust be my strength.