We have an easement next to our property that technically belongs to us even though we can't use it for anything. Because it's on the other side of the fence, it is generally ignored. And it shows. We have used it as a dumping ground for fallen trees, grass clippings, and anything else yard related that we don't want to deal with at the moment. It's also full of blackberry vines. Lots and lots of blackberry vines.
I have been pretty down lately and part of the problem is I don't feel like I am accomplishing anything during the day. Change a diaper, it's full again in a few hours. Empty the dishwasher, there are always more dirty dishes. I wanted to do something that actually has quantifiable results. So I decided to attack the blackberry vines.
While I'm out there with the pruners and the rake, sweating and pulling, neighbors driving by shaking their heads, I came to a few realizations.
1. Blackberry vines have a will to live like nothing I've ever seen. I was obvious from the way they were growing that these vines had been cut back before. Instead of being beaten down, they simply grew another offshoot and went another direction. I couldn't help but think of my own life in the same way. When I'm cut off does that part of me shrivel up and die or do I find another way to carry on? I would like to think I carry on, but I know there have been times in my life where a part of me has shriveled up and died simply because I didn't have any fight left in me.
2. They use what's available to thrive. I pulled vines from between boards of our fence, ten feet high out of a pine tree, and out of the ground where vines had created new roots for themselves when they touched down. They used anything and everything that was available to reach further, grow taller. This started me thinking about myself. If I am not satisfied with the way things are going in my life, do I look for ways to grow and thrive? Sometimes. Maybe.
3. They are ugly, covered in pokey barbs, and cause hurt to everything that might even come close to touching them, but they produce the most beautiful and sweetest fruit. They put up a good fight, and I am covered in bloody scratches to prove it. However, some of the vines I cut away had ripe berries. The kids were outside and were so excited to pick some berries because they were ripe and delicious. There are people I come across in life who are just like those blackberry vines. They are ugly on the inside, protect themselves with barbs, and cause hurt to anyone who tries to come close to them. In fact, I was once one of those people. These people, when given the opportunity, can be some of the sweetest, most beautiful friends I will ever want to be around. A reminder to never judge a book by the cover. And sometimes the wounds from the pokey barbs are worth it.
