I wasn’t there for the weeds – In life, we often get bogged down by small distractions and frustrations—those little “weeds” that seem to clutter up our view and take our attention away from what truly matters. One of the most powerful metaphors that teaches us how to rise above these distractions comes from a story shared by Henry B. Eyring, a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this story, he relays a valuable lesson his father taught him while pulling weeds in the family garden, reminding us all that sometimes, we must look past the mess of life to see the greater beauty and purpose.
The Story: I Wasn’t There for the Weeds
Henry B. Eyring shared this story in one of his talks. As a young boy, he was working in the garden with his father, pulling weeds—a task most of us know can feel tedious and frustrating. The weeds in the garden had already been sprayed with poison and were dying, but young Henry was still frustrated by their presence and wanted to yank them all out. Sensing his son’s frustration, his father gently said, “Hal, I wasn’t there for the weeds.”
Elder Eyring wasn’t focused on the dying weeds, but on the time they were spending together, the beauty of the garden, and the larger purpose at hand. His father’s words served as a powerful reminder: life’s weeds, or distractions, don’t deserve our full attention. Instead, it’s our relationships, growth, and what truly matters that should take center stage.
Why We Love This Story
This story resonates with many of us because it reflects a common experience: getting caught up in the weeds of life. Whether it’s stress at work, frustrations in relationships, or personal challenges, it’s easy to focus on the negative and lose sight of the bigger picture. The lesson taught by Henry B. Eyring’s father is one of perspective, helping us see beyond the immediate obstacles to focus on what brings us joy, fulfillment, and purpose. It shows we are in The Forever Business.
At its core, the message is about prioritizing what really matters. Weeds represent the inevitable challenges that come our way—some large, some small, but all temporary. When we spend too much time focusing on these weeds, we miss out on the deeper, more meaningful experiences in life. Here are some reasons why this story strikes a chord with so many people:
1. It Reflects Our Everyday Struggles
We all encounter weeds in our lives—whether it’s daily stressors, overwhelming responsibilities, or personal struggles. These “weeds” can divert our attention from what is truly important, like our relationships, health, or spirituality. The story reminds us that not every problem requires all of our energy or focus. Sometimes, those weeds have already been sprayed with poison, like in the story, and will take care of themselves over time.
2. It Encourages Us to Focus on Relationships
The story also speaks to the importance of spending time with loved ones and nurturing relationships. Eyring’s father wasn’t in the garden to wage war on the weeds; he was there to spend time with his son, enjoying the simple beauty of the moment. In a world where distractions constantly pull us away, this story reminds us to prioritize time with family, friends, and those we care about. Life is short, and the relationships we cultivate are what bring lasting happiness and fulfillment.
3. It’s About Seeing the Bigger Picture
By focusing on the weeds, we can easily miss out on the beauty of the garden. This lesson extends to life in general—when we get fixated on problems, we often lose sight of the bigger picture. Whether it’s our spiritual journey, professional growth, or personal fulfillment, keeping our eyes on the long-term goal helps us avoid getting dragged down by temporary frustrations. This story encourages us to rise above life’s difficulties and look toward the purpose and meaning behind our actions.
4. It’s a Lesson in Patience and Trust
The fact that the weeds had already been sprayed in the story adds another layer of meaning. Sometimes, life’s problems are already on their way to being resolved, but our impatience drives us to take control prematurely. The story reminds us that not everything requires our intervention, and sometimes, we must have faith that things will work out on their own.
Applying the Lesson to Our Lives
How can we incorporate this timeless wisdom into our daily lives? Here are a few ways to take this lesson and apply it to your personal journey:
1. Practice Mindfulness
One of the reasons we get caught up in distractions is because we aren’t fully present in the moment. Practicing mindfulness helps us stay grounded and focused on what’s truly important. When we notice ourselves becoming overwhelmed by the weeds, we can pause, take a breath, and refocus our attention on the bigger picture.
2. Prioritize What Matters
In the busyness of everyday life, it’s easy to let distractions take precedence over what truly matters. Whether it’s work, family, or personal goals, identifying what’s most important can help you allocate your time and energy wisely. When you feel overwhelmed by the little things, remember Henry B. Eyring’s father’s words, and shift your focus to what brings you joy and fulfillment.
3. Let Go of What You Can’t Control
We often waste energy trying to control situations that are out of our hands. Just like the weeds in the story were already taken care of, many of life’s problems resolve themselves if we give them time. Learning to let go of what we can’t control and trust in the process can bring greater peace and clarity to our lives.
Conclusion: Finding Meaning Beyond the Weeds
The story of Henry B. Eyring and his father in the garden is more than just a metaphor about gardening; it’s a powerful reminder to focus on what truly matters in life. In a world where it’s easy to get caught up in the distractions and challenges that surround us, this story encourages us to take a step back, reassess our priorities, and direct our attention to the things that bring us happiness, purpose, and peace.
As you move forward in your own journey, remember that the weeds are not the point. Life’s real treasures lie beyond the distractions—in our relationships, our faith, and the beauty that surrounds us. By shifting your focus away from the weeds, you can uncover the deeper meaning and joy that life has to offer.
For further insights on maintaining a balanced perspective in life, you may enjoy exploring more talks from Henry B. Eyring here and learning about mindfulness practices from reputable sources like Mindful.org.