The Luxury of Distraction

“Don't own so much clutter that you will be relieved to see your house catch fire.” 

― Wendell Berry, Farming: a hand book

                                             This is Vincent Van Gogh - In the Orchard

The following quotes are my husband's take on clearing clutter.

"The thing with clutter is that it collects everywhere and becomes this nebulous overwhelming feeling.  I think it's good to really focus.  If you think abt it, it could have taken years to accumulate all that stuff.  So, why do you have to clean it up all in one day?  Plan a space to clear, and discipline yourself to stay there for however long you decide, and get the job done.  I get a little neurotic when I start working somewhere and I'll have a few things that go into another room and then I go into the other room and I get distracted by what needs to be done there.  That's an inefficient way to do your work.  Choose your job and stick to it. 

"Clearing clutter is like surgical weight-loss.  You could have the surgery and drop the weight, but if you don't change your behavior, you will have the weight back again.  Same goes for all the extra stuff you accumulate and consume.  You may have a January clean out, or spring cleaning, or yard sale, but if you keep adding to the stuff in your house, you will always be overweight when it comes to the clutter around you.

"Genadeo, the gardener, comes back every year as a matter of course.  He goes from one tree to the next.  He knows exactly what his task is, and while he may note the other things in the orchard that need to be tended to, when he comes to prune, he just does the pruning."

So, I gleaned my new favorite mantra from all of my husband's clutter-clearing wisdom and it is this, "Don't allow yourself the luxury of distraction."

Get that?  Whatever your task:  Don't allow yourself the luxury of distraction.

You Can Do Anything for 15 Minutes

So, if January is generally a time of renewal and resolution, you may wonder why I'm still spending so much time talking about clearing out.  I think it's because the further I get in life the more I realize my brain is like a sponge, and there are temporary maximum capacities involved with what it can take in.  With teenagers, married kids and a little girl running around the house there are so MANY things I want to do and need to keep track of.  The more I get going on, the more I find myself forgetting important details.  And by important, I mean:

• I forgot I was supposed to take a meal to a friend in need, even though I just volunteered to do it a few days ago.  
• Visitors showed up at my door and I completely spaced that they were scheduled to come by at all.  
• I skipped dental appointments for the whole family because I made them a while ago, didn't get a reminder call soon enough, and it didn't even occur to me I was supposed to be somewhere.  

These are the things that happen when the psychic clutter is reaching a breaking point.  So, to manage it all, sometimes I need to squeeze out the sponge and make room for new input.  You might ask, "Why don't you just get a better calendar system?"  And, to that I would say, "Brilliant idea!"  But, I prefer to take a more abstract, metaphorical approach.  I always hope that maybe purging some of the clutter will make room for something more...namely cognitive coherence about things that are important to me and feeling more connected generally.

The irony about this morning's post is that I am awake early on Saturday morning.  The house is quiet and everyone else is sleeping.  And, I, rather than doing the work of clearing clutter in my life, am WRITING about clearing clutter.  This is procrastination.  However, I shouldn't feel too bad because one of my sisters recently told me that sometimes doing housework is just her way of procrastinating the work of WRITING.  Either way, I should get on with today's tip, so I can actually DO THE WORK.

Follow this image link, it's a good one.

Last time we cleared flat surfaces and learned about our magic three containers.  Today, I only have one trick to share, and it is called:

Beat the timer.  Or, You can do anything for 15 minutes.  

I am never so competitive as when a timer or deadline is in place.  Sometimes, when it's time to pick up the house before Dad gets home or clean up after dinner, I challenge my kids to a race.  We split up the tasks that need to be done and whoever finishes first gets a reward. If they beat me, I promise to do their next small chore for them.  If I beat them I get to sit out during the next short cleaning session.  It's awesome to see how quickly we can all work to accomplish our task.

Similarly, if I set a timer for myself, especially if it is for some short time, like 15 minutes, I will work quickly and without distraction to finish my task.  The timer even works for large clutter clearing jobs.  Often, on weekends, my husband gets serious about doing big household projects.  Ironically, the weekend is not my favorite time to do the monumental tasks.   And, I find myself empathizing with kids who continually ask during such a task "How much longer are we going to be doing this?"  His answer used to be, "Until we're finished."  But, I think he got tired of our whining, so now, OUR solution is to portion out the big job into lots of smaller tasks. This is system work, which he is really good at.  Though our total work time will inevitably be much longer than 15 minutes, we still set a time limit, and we find that accomplishing smaller tasks within the larger job keeps us motivated as we go.  Treats and bribes work well, too.  Work for an hour, get a drink from the gas station (I'll do a lot for a half-caf diet coke with lots of ice.) Finish another hour and we all go to lunch or the movies or get to have friends over or whatever else works.  For the record, he doesn't completely OWN this system yet, he'd still rather just power through until the job is done, but knows it works well for those of us with less focus.

Now GO!  Set a timer. Pick a shelf, or a drawer, or a Christmas tree that is de-ornamented but still has it's lights on it (i don't know why i thought of that one because it's the end of January and only Christmas Crazies still have that sort of stuff still up) and get the job done.

The Complexities of Simplicity

Albert Einstein once said, "Out of clutter, find simplicity," but I don't think he was remarking on any of the drawers or closets where I keep mine. 

Over the years I have come up with a couple of quick clutter tricks that help me at least have the appearance of clean.  I will only share ideas that do not make me a hypocrite.  In other words, I won't suggest something I haven't been willing to do in twenty plus years of keeping my own house.  Though, my husband is way more organized than I am, so I might share his thoughts in a later post.     

So, my first two clutter cutting tips for you are these:

1. Clear flat surfaces first

If a room is messy, start your clutter control by removing all of the junk from the largest flat surface first.  In a bedroom it's usually the bed.  Clear it, make it and move on.  The momentum will propel you to the next largest flat space, the dresser.  In the kitchen, it's the usually one of the counters, or the table.  Clear the largest flat space first and then move on. Look and see what a difference it makes.  Now your rule is not to allow clutter to creep back to your flat spaces. I'm not asking you to tackle drawers and closets today, just one big flat space.

A clean room when just looking at large, flat surfaces.

This is all going on behind the chair, but you don't notice it because the bed and all the other flat spaces are clean.

2. Use three bags for your clutter clearing task

One of my biggest problems in tackling clutter is my propensity for getting sidetracked.  Finding a home for everything WHILE I'm clearing a space is a serious temptation.  Instead of leaving my work space, on the distracted pretense of putting things away  I find I get the task done faster if I have the following containers with me:

• 1 For stuff that goes in another space - I don't put it away until I'm done with my task
• 1 For stuff I are going to give away/sell - the thought of a yard sale is abominable to me, I bag it all up and send it off to the local thrift store, and NEVER think about it again. 
• 1 For garbage - 'nough said.

Remember, don't leave your space until the job is done, or for 15 minutes, whichever comes first.

So, go to it and find your simplicity, my friend. Then again, Einstein also is alleged to have said:  

“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, then what are we to think of an empty desk?”

Hmm.  The complexities of simplicity.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 

'What are you doing for others?'

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Origins

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday has been celebrated, presumably, every year since his birth.  But, it wasn't until 1983 that Ronald Reagan signed it into law as an official federal holiday.  By the year 2000, all of the states finally adopted the holiday.  Some of the reported reluctance for officially observing his birthday comes from stigma around his socialist political leanings, along with other questions about his character.  However, I believe that God inspires and lifts men and women through the flawed lives of other men and women.  Martin Luther King, Jr., flaws and all, gave voice and courage to the oppressed and marginalized.  He exemplifies the power of one, strengthened by many, and the power of peace in the face of hatred and violence.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to reflect on his life and accomplishments and to ponder the idea that you can not kill the dream by slaying the dreamer.

Note: First, I trust you are able to find recipes and activities that suit your pantry and family needs all over the internet.  Generally, I will not include them here except in the resource links.  Also,  we have always taken our cues for food and fun on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day from the following bit in an article from the Knoxville News:

“The parlor was a very special room,” says Williams, explaining that business and community meetings took place here, in addition to choir rehearsals and pastoring. The six-bedroom home speaks of middle-class comfort. Upholstered furniture, handsomely carved tables, lamps, knickknacks and photographs. “King’s mother had a housekeeper,” says Williams, as we enter the kitchen and laundry area. Appliances and table settings reflect the 1930s and 1940s. A favorite meal was the Sunday feast of fried chicken, collard greens, black-eyed peas and corn bread.

We wander by King’s bedroom, where a ball and bat rest near games and other toys. King enjoyed playing baseball, football and basketball. He rode his bicycle and roller skates through the neighborhood. Family time meant a game of Monopoly and Old Maid cards. King took piano lessons, but did not like to practice."1

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/cider-brined-fried-chicken-recipe/index.html

Food

A feast of Southern favorites - fried chicken, fried okra, collard greens, black-eyed peas, buttermilk biscuits, pecan and sweet potato pie, layered chocolate velvet cake.

Festivities

Play family games,  like Monopoly, Old Maid, Gold Fish.  Sometimes, I create a trivia game based on Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement.  I found one online, here:

http://www.cyberlearning-world.com/nhhs/project/trivia1.htm

Observances

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"  We plan service on or around all of the birthdays in our home.  Usually, Gordon and I give blood or work in a neighbor's yard.  for the kids' birthdays, we do harvest and holiday service. To truly honor Martin Luther King, Jr. and the day, organize a service project to be completed before the month's end.

Watch or read excerpts from his famous speeches.  In addition to I Have A Dream, family favorites include the following - 

I've Been to the Mountaintop

I especially love the themes of being in a place and time and doing the work we are meant to do because we are preserved and directed by God.  You have to read the whole thing to get the "traveling through time," portion, and the "if I had sneezed" insight.  In the end, Dr. King gives a pre-farewell speech.  It doesn't matter what happens now, he has been to the mountain top and has seen the promised land...beautiful!

Excerpt from the speech -  

"Well, I don't know what will happen now; we've got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn't matter to with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life–longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain.  And I've looked over, and I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you.  But I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land.  And so I'm happy tonight; I'm not worried about anything; I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord."8

How Long, Not Long otherwise known as, Our God is Marching On

My favorite quote from this speech is, "How long? Not long, because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice."  Here's a longer excerpt-

"I know you are asking today, "How long will it take?" Somebody’s asking, "How long will prejudice blind the visions of men, darken their understanding, and drive bright-eyed wisdom from her sacred throne?" Somebody’s asking, "When will wounded justice, lying prostrate on the streets of Selma and Birmingham and communities all over the South, be lifted from this dust of shame to reign supreme among the children of men?" Somebody’s asking, "When will the radiant star of hope be plunged against the nocturnal bosom of this lonely night, plucked from weary souls with chains of fear and the manacles of death? How long will justice be crucified, and truth bear it?"

I come to say to you this afternoon, however difficult the moment, however frustrating the hour, it will not be long, because "truth crushed to earth will rise again."

How long? Not long,  because "no lie can live forever." 

How long? Not long, because "you shall reap what you sow."

How long? Not long: 

Truth forever on the scaffold,

Wrong forever on the throne,

Yet that scaffold sways the future,

And, behind the dim unknown,

Standeth God within the shadow,

Keeping watch above his own.

How long? Not long, because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.

How long? Not long, because:

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; 

He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; 

He has loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword; 

His truth is marching on. " 3

But If Not, otherwise known as, Transformed Nonconformists

I love this paragraph, click the link for the whole text.

"The courage of three Hebrew boys - Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego is still a challenge to us today.  The King Nebuchadnezzar had ordered that all were to bow down and worship the golden image.  But there stood in the midst three Hebrew boys who were determined not to bow down and serve the golden image, and they said to the king, "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us, but if not, we will not bow. "  who today can stand up and refuse to bow in a crowd where everybody else is bowing." 4

Resources:

1. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/jan/13/atlanta-neighborhood-commemorates-childhood-civil-/

2. http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/index.php/encyclopedia/documentsentry/ive_been_to_the_mountaintop/ 

3. http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/index.php/kingpapers/article/our_god_is_marching_on/

4. http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/primarydocuments/Vol6/Nov1954TransformedNonconformist.pdf

Dealing with the Mail In Your Life

No...it's not a typo.  I'm not referring to your husband, boyfriend or troublesome brother.  I'm talking about the post,  and the clutter it inevitably brings, muddling your mind and overwhelming your ability to cope.

I actually have a phobia of the mail box.  Even when I'm expecting something great to come, and especially during the holidays.  

As I hit the "create" button for the new blog, I hear a pounding and a kick on the back door.

"Oh, that's Caleb, I just sent him to get the mail." I say to his sisters, hurrying to open the door.

The door opens and envelopes fall all over the floor.  Plus, both of this poor boy's arms of are overflowing with weekly adds and other proliferous papers.  First world problems.  I know.  Google it.

"Did you drop any on the road?" I ask.  The mail box is far down our dirt road.

"Yeah, like 3 times," is his surly response.

I laugh at the sight of mail falling from his arms to the table to the floor.  I'm not helping.

Still stifling a snicker, I say, "I'm sorry.  I should have sent you with a bag."

"How about..." I detect restraint in his halting, measured tone. "When we haven't checked the mail for like 3 months, we don't send one kid...by himself... to get it." 

What I don't say is this. "You know I am actually afraid of the mail box.  Do you know why?  Because it contains all the trappings of adult responsibility, paired with other peoples' junk I don't know what to do with (we recently moved), bills and notices and reminders of all the stuff I need to do and all the details I hate to deal with.  So, if I only get it every few weeks, it's like it's not there. I owe you an appology because this is my failing as a mom.  Failing to get paper under control.  Also, failing to teach you and your sibling, by example, how to get paper under control.  Nevermind actually attending to the business of each item.  It's bad, but I hate sorting through mail.  I much prefer denial."  

Instead I say, "You're right, Caleb.  I'm sorry."

He walks away.

Minutes later he returns, smiling and talking about getting ready to go to his play.  If only all frustrations and failings were so easily forgiven and forgotten.

And, in case you are wondering, this story does have a point.  If you, are like me with an aversion to mail and papery clutter, you need to make a new ritual.  Once a week (if you can get away with it because most of your bills are automated and nobody really sends you anything so pressing), clear your schedule for a good 30 minutes and take the following steps.  There are only five of the because after that, I lose interesting any process more complicated: 

1.  Make a strong cup a joe (that's hot cocoa, or diet coke on ice, in Utah)

2. Say some positive affirmations, give yourself a stirring pep talk, and go check the mail.  "I fee peace with every piece of mail I encounter...om..."

3.  Bring the mail in, sort what you can immediately into the shredder/recycle bin. Or, in our case, we are pyros and like to burn paper clutter.

4.  Make every phone call about things you have to follow up on, right now!

5.  File (that is a vile four letter word in my book) what you may need to attend to later, and then don't think about it again for another week.  Keep only items that you would be required to show as proof of payment, receipt,  or in case of audit.  

NOTE: If you call someone with questions, note the person's name and details of the conversation on the piece of mail, then put it away for future reference.  

Lifehacker has a great list of what to keep and what to get rid of, here:

http://lifehacker.com/5977082/what-documents-should-i-shred-and-what-should-i-keep

The photo above comes from a great article abt downsizing your mail on your computer's inbox: 

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-07-11/e-mail-in-box-clutter-an-appreciation

Clearing the Clutter

                                        

Hey...I'll show you mine if you show me yours.  And, then, you know what would happen...you'd feel grateful  and not so lonely about the stuff you keep carefully closed-up in closets, in tightly packed drawers and underneath the bed.  

Or, maybe, if you saw all my hidden clutter, you'd respond like a friend of mine with, "Mariah, what is the underlying meaning of all this stuff you keep buried away in the recesses of every room in your house?"  And, I'd have to say, "Hey, no deep waters here.  What you see is what you get.  Pretty much an unwillingness to deal with details I find overwhelming and under-motivating....What?" 

Every kid in our family was born in November or December. As part of our family culture, we have always had a very full, rich round of traditions during those months, as well, observing everything from Martinmas and St. Nicholas Day, to Hanukkah and Solstice, along with all the usual festivities.  So, after the binge of  holiday good cheer and good will, January's everyday observances deal a lot with purging and pruning.

Before I get into any of the details of how we do the job of the January clear out, let me first say this.  Remember the metaphor of pruning the orchard?  Do you think any of those trees out there feel bad about themselves because they over grew and needed to be trimmed back?  No!  Have they been sulking about  how they wish they could just remember not to grow so much or leave so many limbs laying around year after year?  No!  They are happy trees undergoing their natural transformation.  So, the next time you start to feel crappy about any extra junk you may have laying around, think of the trees, let go of any  bad vibes you have about all of your stuff, and move on with clearing out.

Epiphany - January 6

http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/canada/epiphany

This is one of my favorite observances of the year.  Why? Because it pulls the magic of Christmas round into January and reminds us of the gifts that were brought by the Magi.  Also, because I am a chronic Christmas procrastinator, never on time for  delivering neighbor gifts or taking down decorations.  Observing Epiphany is my annual excuse to delay the inevitable need to move on.  Just taking a leaf from the book of the Wise Men.  They didn't make it for the actual advent, but they were just in time, none the less.

Note: Epiphany wraps up the celebration of the 12 Days of Christmas, which begins on December 25 and ends on January 5.  Twelfth Night and Epiphany coincide as a culmination of the holy days know as Christmastide. (1)

Side Note:  My dad converted from Catholicism to the LDS faith years ago.  Still, I find the ritual and history around certain Catholic observances both illuminating and comforting.

Origins

Epiphany is traditionally a catholic observance held on January 6th at the end of the Christmas Cycle (the Christmas Cycle begins with Advent, the first of four Sundays before Christmas) and is celebrated throughout Western Europe.

I love what Miriam Webster has to say about it:

Epiphany -
1.  capitalized :  January 6 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles or in the Eastern Church in commemoration of the baptism of Christ
2.  :  an appearance or manifestation especially of a divine being
3.  a (1) :  a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (2) :  an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking (3) :  an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure
    b :  a revealing scene or moment (2)

http://green-mom.com/topics/home-and-personal-care/clean-burning-candles.html#.Usi4mcu9KSM

Observances

Sharing the story of the Magi and the blessings of hospitality.   Lighting candles, eating Kings Cake, discussing what gifts of ourselves we can give this year.

From "Distinctive Traditions of Epiphany,"
by  Amber and John Inscore Essick

Peace be with this house and all who dwell in it,
and peace to all who enter here.
In keeping the feast of Epiphany, we celebrate
* the Magi’s search for the infant king,
* the Christ child’s appearing to the world, and,
* the peace and hospitality shared between the Magi and the Holy
   Family.

Let us hear again the Magi’s story:

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Matthew 2:1–12

This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God...
May this home in the coming year be a place where Christ is pleased to dwell.
May all our homes share the peace and hospitality of Christ which is revealed in the fragile flesh of an infant. Amen.  (3)

Food

King's Cake - Your favorite cake or cupcake recipe baked with a surprise inside.  One gold coin (a plastic one can be found at the dollar store, or another coin can take it's place) signifying the Magi's gift, is hidden somewhere in the cake.  The one who finds the coin gets to a. Read the story of the Magi from the Bible (Matthew 2:1–12), or b. Act the role they wish to play in a performance of the story.

http://designurge.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Chocolate-Chocolate-Cake.jpg 

Festivities

Deliver any neighbor gifts that haven't gone out yet.  Make a tradition of saving this practice for this time of year to lengthen out and simplify the holiday season.
Perform the story of the Magi from the bible as a post-Christmas pageant.
Make and light candles in remembrance of the star that lead the way for the wise men.

Resources

1. http://www.holytrinitygerman.org/xmascustoms.html#twelvedays
2. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epiphany
3. http://www.baylor.edu/content/services/document.php/159118.pdf

On Pruning and Planning

Genadeo came to prune the trees today.  I wasn't expecting him.  I just found him in the orchard, on a ladder, wearing jeans, a sweater and some work gloves,  clearing over growth and taping tender branches.  

"I'm happy to see you," I said, my hand outstretched, as if he were an old friend and not a new acquaintance. "I'm Mariah.  We bought this house from our very good friends.  I think you remember them, they had a lot of children?"

He was already down from the ladder, removing his glove to shake my hand.  "I'm happy to know you.  I remember them," he said with a thick spanish accent and a broad smile.  You can't help but smile when you think of a family of 12.   "But they were not here last year.  No one was here.  And so, I didn't come.  But, today, I saw you were here, so I came to prune the trees."

"We ARE here, and will be for a long time.  My husband will be so glad you came."

He pointed to some trees outside of the orchard fence.  "You see those trees, they are not right." 

I looked at the aspen and pine growing at a steep slant.  

"I can tie chains to the aspen, pull it straight, fix it right.  I'll do it later, when it's a little warm. But, the pine, it's too late, I can't fix it." 

"Okay, well, if you can help the other one, we'd really appreciate it.  Call me and I will be sure we are here when it is time.  We'd love to help you," I said as I handed him a check for his labors.

"Okay, okay.  I'll finish these now." 

"Thank you, Genadeo.  This is a great gift."

That man has amazing faith, because while I'm sure my good neighbors pointed him our way, he and I have never met before.  How did he know I would pay him, that his work would be compensated and appreciated?  I thought about that when I left him to his work.

As I pulled away from the house I had so many questions and metaphors running through my mind.  When it is our turn to play gardener in our own lives, do we do the job properly? Do we cut back enough to encourage growth in the sparse areas of the tree, are we willing to sacrifice a co-dominant branch so that the better branch can strengthen and enhance the natural beauty of the tree?  Do we show up and work in the cold of the winter to ensure a harvest that is seasons away?

And, how often does the Master Gardener do work that goes unnoted, unpaid, unappreciated? Or, when it is noticed, how often do we complain about how much had to be cleared away, how long it took, how little difference it made in this year's yield?  

What if our plans for ourselves resemble the work of an experienced gardener.  Better yet, what if we partnered with the Master?  How much could we learn? What if at the new year, along with making grand plans for the fruits we want our garden to bear by the end of the growing season, we also spend time clearing away, making room, getting ready.  It takes faith to grow a garden, nurture an orchard, harvest a vineyard, just as it does to make goals and resolutions and plans.  Maybe, in life, just as in the garden, the first step to acting on that faith is pruning.