It has been a challenge, however, to find any kind of grass that can be coerced to grow in both sunny and shady areas with poor soil. Every day since I started fighting my grass war, I have inspected my new splotches of grass to see if any runners have started to spread and any weeds have been strangled yet. Eventually, I hope to have a blanket of grass instead of the patchwork quilt that I have now.

Armed with a rake, leather gloves, and an arsenal of plastic bags and buckets, I’ve fought diligently for my grass. I’ve raked truck loads of pine needles and picked up gallons of pine cones. I’ve bagged acorns and dead leaves. I’ve even taken a few stabs at a 50-year buildup of thatch.

Although my raking and bagging has greatly improved the battlefield, my most effective weapon in the grass war has been a flimsy water hose that gets tangle up easily, cutting off its own water supply. Whenever I see a blade of grass looking brown instead of green, I water board it with a steady stream of water to encourage it to respond. The only problem with my water tactics has been finding a balance between green grass and an affordable water bill.

For the most part, I have enjoyed my grass-war games, and I have had a few small victories. However, I’m well aware that if I ever decide to withdraw my efforts, the battle will be lost. The Scripture says, “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8 NASB).

Maybe instead of investing so much time and effort in an ongoing grass war which ultimately cannot be won, I should pay more attention to the one thing that is everlasting.