The Lawn Mower and I

The lawn mower and I have always been good friends.

When we’d get together, the lawn mower showed me things I would never seek out on my own: water droplets forming on a leaf, crickets jumping to get out of the way of a ferocious blade, weeds encroaching on a flower bed and the invigorating smell of fresh cut grass. I’d push and he’d show me things.

There were moments, though, I wasn’t interested in seeing what the lawn mower had in store for me.  I needed to listen to the stirrings within my heart, and being alone with the lawn mower was the only place I could do it. I had stuff to workout with God and it was the quietest place I could find.

There were other times, still, that I just needed to slap on my earphones, punch in some Motley Crue and mow. I didn’t want to talk, I didn’t want to listen and I didn’t want to observe – I just needed to be.

Isn’t that the great thing about lawn mowers, bicycles, iPads, books and other friends – it doesn’t have to just be about mowing grass or pushing the pedals.

My son is now forming a wonderful friendship with the lawn mower. I wonder what he’s listening to?