Weeds

On a recent photo walk I had a macro lens on my camera and was looking to do some close-up photography. The path brought me along a site that has been under construction for several years, and there was much plant growth along the way–weeds, to be exact.

So I found myself noticing and, yes, photographing the weeds and grasses–something that was not in my plan, when I started out, but as I went along, I became intrigued by the small flowers and details of these plants I usually ignore, and I began to make some images.

Weeds are by definition plants that are not wanted, a nuisance and, to many, an eyesore. I’m a gardener, and I’m used to pulling out weeds before they can flower and set seed. But as I walked along, I began to appreciate the beauty of the flower and structure of some of these plants.

Later I began to reflect on what are the weeds in my life–those aspects of my life that I consider of little use or beauty, usually avoided, sometimes causing annoyance. Might there be a beauty here that I have not noticed because I have not looked closely enough? Are there people who fit into this category, those in whom I have failed to see the beauty and grace they possess, because I have simply not payed attention?

I’ll continue to pull the weeds in my garden, but I also hope to examine the “weeds” in my life to see if they possess a beauty that I am missing.

“But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you–you of little faith? (Matthew 6:30)