To date, this is the most mind-opening post on this site. Over the weekend I was reading a GREAT book by Janene Wolsey Baadsgaard (say that 3 x fast!) and read the most life-changing metaphor, I thought I would share.Janene was talking about parents and their many obligations and responsibilities to so many in their life. Sometimes there is so much expected of us that we barely cover it all. Almost like a Sprinkler. Covering so many "bases" with the minimums.
What if we began to function like a Drip Irrigation system? Focusing in on those things that matter most. Reserving our resources by funneling in on the priorities we hold dear.
This picture makes it so clear, doesn't it? When you look at Drip Irrigation systems, they are able to grow stronger, more vibrant vegetation. Often times, they use LESS water than sprinkler systems. Why? They are focused! When they water, it is concentrated and runs at a consistent rate. The water is able to go deeper under these circumstances. It is unhampered by other conditions (ex: the sun, the wind, etc). Wouldn't you celebrate if your love and example were unhampered by other conditions in your child's life? (ex: friends, media, etc)
Taking it a step further, let's talk about weeds. My first year with a garden we used a sprinkler. It was cheapest and we had no clue what we were doing;) We were so excited when the plants emerged, but couldn't believe the fury of the weeds! There were 3x's as many weeds as plants, and the unbelievable part was that they grew twice as fast. They were double the size of my precious vegetable plants and began strangling them. Not only with their leaves and stems, but taking their water and eventually their sunshine. They were literally starved and stomped. We quickly learned the types of food and nourishment our vegetables needed that also stayed the weeds. And we instituted Drip Irrigation. This eliminates weeds having a shot at any of our water. What weeds are in our personal flow of "sprinkler water"? What are we watering inadvertantly? Is it getting bigger? Is it taking over without our permission?
I have been thinking over this comparison for days and found there is no escaping a change in our household. I am working on some ideas that I will share when they are mastered. For now, I think it is safe to say there is priceless value in spending consistent one on one time with those who mean the most. God, Family, Loved ones. What do you want growing the strongest in your garden? Stop "spraying" in a haphazard way, get focused and on-purpose!
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4 comments:
Great insight! You should teach a Relief Society lesson on this subject:)
I love this analogy. I have found that I need to focus and pray each day for the guidance to know what is most worth my time for that day. I even write down the answers that seem to come. I am amazed at the peace and strength that come from doing that. Things go so much more smoothly. In other words, the right plants seem to flourish even when I am so limited in the amounts of time and energy I have to work with.
Thanks for the insight! I love your analogy and am going to think about how I can make some changes in our house to make some of our weeds disappear. As always, you my dear are amazing.
ps - I found some sweet pictures of you and the mr. that I am going to save for blackmail for your kids some day : )
Hey thanks for the insight and i personally feel that drip irrigation is better than sprinkler system but i guess both of them have there own pros and cons.
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