Someday I'm going to write a book called How To Have A Crummy Lawn. All the pages will be blank because that's what is required-- nothing. Just leave it alone and in no time dandelions will sprout, crabgrass will spread, and weeds with Latin names will thrive where the lawn used to be. The magic formula for a bad lawn is no water, no fertilizer, no weed killer, no care.
The book, of course, will be immensely unpopular because no one wants a crummy lawn, not consciously at least. They end up with one, though, simply through neglect.
When I'm out digging dandelions, I often ask myself if I'm putting as much time and effort into maintaining my spiritual life as I am my lawn. How easily the weeds of anger and discouragement take root in my soul. How quickly anxiety crowds out peace in my heart.
The writer of Proverbs observed the same pattern in "the field of the lazy man" long ago: "It was all overgrown with thorns; its surface was covered with nettles; its stone wall was broken down. When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction" (Prov. 24:30-32).
The formula for a bad lawn and a bad life are exactly the same--all it takes is a little neglect. — David C. McCasland
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always and feed on His Word;
Make friends of God's children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek. --Longstaff
Neglect is all it takes to ruin a life.