You would think this old woman would’ve learned all the important lessons by this time in life. I am one stubborn lady and sometimes it takes a few bumps and bruises to remind me of some very simple rules that lay the groundwork for getting a job done. It’s been a wonderful spring here in Lake Woebegone. We aren’t always blessed with long stretches of weather that allows you to work outside with out melting into the ground. Having come off a rather chilly winter, the current temperatures ranging from 50 – 70 degrees are a welcome delight.

For the past four days, I’ve been outside more than in the house. Taking advantage of these random days of spring, I decided to dig into some yard work. Usually that means I will suffer in a few days with allergies and breathing issues. I wasn’t disappoined. By yesterday afternoon the pollen had invaded my respiratory system. That wasn’t the worst of it however. In my enthusaism to prune some suckers from the base of the crab tree, I stumbled over a ladder that had been left hidden among the invading brush. In doing so, I managed to bruise my leg and arm and a huge portion of my pride. It wasn’t serious, but another wake up call to remind me of my aging body and stubborn mind. I tend to push ahead too often without clearing the path leading to the problem.

When you get to be my age, and are blessed to have your spouse close at hand to witness the mishap, you are bound to get a lesson in removing barriers before moving forward. Unfortunately I am one who tends to try and get as much done as I can when I’m feeling well and the weather is cooperating. So I often overlook the things that are in the way. This could be interpreted as being careless, lazy, stubborn or impatient.

We all face obstacles in our lives and it’s usually on a daily basis. How do we cut through the difficulties or barriers that cause us to stumble? We can press on with zeal and fall flat on our face as I most often do. We could plan things out before beginning the task. We could ask for help. We could hope for some divine intervention, but the truth is there are things we must face daily, that require common sense and a willingness to learn in the process.

Today I will stay inside for most of the day. Not because I’m incapable of getting outside again. Not because I don’t love being in my garden. Not because I’m stubborn, impatient or foolish. It will be to take some time off to reevaluate my next steps. And that’s OK too.

God overlooks my failures. He doesn’t see the muck and mire that lays at my feet. He sees His Son, Jesus when He looks at my heart. Because of Jesus, I will have someone to lean on. Because of Him, I have been released from my sin. Because of Him, I can still break down barriers. I just have to find them before I try to push my way through. God is always with us and will open doors we never thought we could open by ourselves. The door to His kingdom awaits and I know He’ll be there to welcome me when He’s ready for me.