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By Betsy Ore Glass

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. – Ephesians 4:22-24

Garden centers are bustling with abundant blooms of color. The month of May signals a “coming to life” again. A renewal. A rebirth. Fertilizing and watering and simply pouring goodness into the earth. Planting and designing our little spaces. Filling our porch with color to greet us when we come home or to enjoy at night on the porch swing.

My mother always planted zinnias and I don’t know how she did it. Pouring from a seed packet she would sprinkle the seeds randomly and every afternoon she’d water her little bed. She basically ignored it and it was gorgeous. Cutting them for neighbors or for her own table gave her joy. My daughter has a new home and a fresh canvas to decorate her property this season. She is having a wonderful time planting. My bonus daughter is now into vegetable gardening and is doing a wonderful job of it. I am hoping for some green beans soon! Me on the other hand, I have old shrubs that have seen their day. This week they are getting pulled out in favor of something more fresh and manageable. I have a whole area that needs to be thinned out and trimmed. I am excited to see how it turns out.

Our life is like my old shrubs at times. Sometimes some things just need to go. There are weeds and overgrowth that rob us of life. There is no place for them. Old habits that produce no fruit, patterns that need a shake-up. It all adds up to making some needed changes. I am learning to say “no.” Amazingly, it is freeing me up for more time and meaningful things. I think I must be a people pleaser at my core and that is one thing that needs to go. I only need to focus on God and do what He wants of me. You don’t always know what that is but by making room for Him will allow us the ability to feel His guidance when we seek it. Let’s enjoy the May breezes while allowing time with God and refection.

Betsy Ore Glass has long-standing ties to the Outer Banks. From Virginia Beach, her family bought a vacation cottage in the 60s and her love of the area began. Later in the 90s, Betsy and her husband bought a weekend cottage and introduced the area to their children. Then Betsy’s parents retired to KDH where the family gathered often. Reach her at betsyglass1@gmail.com. To learn more about her books, visit betsyoreglass.com.

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