Do Not Sow Among Thorns

"Break up your fallow ground, and do not sow among thorns."  -Jeremiah 4:3

When we had  our woods cleared of fallen trees and brambles we had them leave this tangle of wild roses and branches to act as a barrier to keep Gabriel, our dog, from running out into the lane at the edge of our property.  It has worked admirably.  If you know anything about wild roses you know they are covered in thorns--it's their wild way of protecting themselves from predators.  Deer love roses, but they steer clear of these roses.

This is exactly why we are not to sow our talents among thorns because we DO want others to benefit from what we have to offer the world.  What good is it to be a hostess if you have a prickly personality.  Soon people will find excuses to turn down your invitation.  What good is it to be a great orator if what you have to say only instills fear in people.  What good is it to be a great artist of music or painting or dance if your art is vulgar.  Yes, you may be making a statement about the world and it's problems, but it does nothing to lift people up to a higher level of thinking, dreaming, creating.

I am grateful for those who sow their talents in God-prepared ground where beautiful things grow.