We recently moved to a new home and found that our new backyard is buried under a few years worth of pine needles and pine cones. We have a row of 11 cedar trees that are littered with dead leaves and branches. I figure it will be an ongoing project this summer to clean and clear it all up. Last weekend, I rolled up my sleeves, grabbed some hedge clippers and got to work. I began by pruning the horribly overgrown cedar trees.

The imagery of God pruning us has been written about often throughout the centuries. He gave us that very picture Himself (John 15, Psalm 119:67-72 for example). Much like a good pruner trims not just that which is dead, but also that which is alive in order to bring about greater fruitfulness – He too will seek to whack from our lives that which is sin and also prune that which seems good; if it will yield greater growth.

Many of these parallels came to my mind as I worked my cedar trees. As my arms were cut, my back became sore, and my whole self dirty – I thought about the hurt I feel when God removes things from my life that appear good to me. I thought about the dirt and grime that accompanies dealing with sin. And then, I noticed something else.

Flying in circles above me were several very angry birds. Their screeching and squawking was undoubtedly directed at me. They swooped low with their cries and then flew away – only to return a few minutes later. My disturbance of their comfortable (albeit overgrown and mostly dead) home displeased them greatly.

Whether you are taking steps to cut out something from your life that is unhealthy or God is at work with His holy shears, you too will have your own squawkers. There are those people who would rather you stay in your muck. There are those that don’t want you to ever change because they are used to the same ol’ same ol’. Your change might mean they have to change. As a result, when you try and break old patterns; when you react differently; when you refuse to engage in a fight and instead forgive – you will have a squawking flock nearby with condemning or mocking words. Knowing it will come won’t make it easier to deal with – especially if the flock contains some of your loved ones. However, the One who can see the end result is the One to listen to when you hear the squawks.

My trees are looking much better. The squawkers appear to have moved on. My cuts are healing and my back is less sore. I’ve even cleared some beds and planted a small garden. And God is always good.

Peace.