Problems are like rocks--they're hard

Luke 8:6
6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. KJV

Last year our church had some work completed on two of our fields. In fact, we had the two fields combined to make one large field. We have a dream of a sports ministry at the church and with a gym for basketball and volleyball, as well as a top-notch fitness center--we are well on our way. However, we needed to develop our fields for softball, football, and soccer. Last year the Lord blessed us with over $50,000 in dirt and grading to bring our dreams closer to reality.

Every morning I drive down the edge of the large field and enjoy the serene scene of rich green grass growing over a field that is several acres large. Away from the phone in the office, I check my calendar, read some devotional scriptures, and then I get out and pray while I walk the field. As I walk the field I find that beneath the grass, mostly hidden from view, there are many stones and some large rocks that need to be removed before anyone attempts to dive for pop-fly or tackle someone. So every morning I find and fling rocks from our field. As I’ve done this, I asked God what lesson there is for me in this exercise. This morning God have me an “ah-ha” moment.

Rocks are like problems. There are small ones that can be easily handled, in fact, several can be handled at once and easily dispensed with. Others are larger, harder to dig out and difficult to carry. Some require assistance in removing. Some are hidden beneath the grass and not readily seen, others stand out like a sore thumb.

In addition to myself, some geese have found our field and the fresh green grass is more than they can resist. So them come, they eat, and they leave behind little reminders of their visit. If I get in a hurry, and if I don’t pay close attention to what I’m doing, I find myself with a handful of goose poo. (I hate it when that happens!)

Leadership requires that problems, challenges, and obstacles be dealt with. Let’s face it, problems are hard, that’s why we call them problems, but with patience, persistence, and close observation, they can be dispensed with until the beauty on the surface, is matched by the beauty beneath. It may seem like an endless task. Sometimes it seems like the ground is growing more rocks, but over time I see the difference and feel good about what I’ve done. Still, I know that before the job is finished, I’m going to have to recruit others to the field with me to find and fling the rocks from our field.