In our neighborhood, the mowing crew hired by the homeowners’ association took the easy way out. Rather than weed-eating around all the trees and mailboxes, they sprayed some kind of poison on the grass, killing the weeds. Not only did this look bad – dead grass around the trees and mailboxes – a dog in the neighborhood nearly died from licking an area that had just been treated.
Rarely is the easy route the best route.
In recovery, it is never enough to just poison the weeds. There are no shortcuts. And when you do try a quick fix, you usually cause more damage than you solve.
By spraying poison on the weeds, the yard crew also killed a lot of grass, and nearly one dog.
Yard work and recovery share one thing in common. To be successful, they require hard work. Paul said it like this: “Whatever you do, work heartily” (Colossians 3:23).
Recovery Step: Pele said, “Success is no accident. It is hard work.” Substitute recovery for success. And focus as much on what you’re trying to grow as on what you’re trying to kill.
