I was trimming one of our little hedges the other day. It is a job that allows one to meditate a bit. It is a variegated (Buxus) box hedge standing about 30cm high and bounds a garden for annuals, where the driveway forks. The drive encircles the house. 

The planting of the hedge took place some years back now. Each year it has been trimmed to shape. Each year the hedge has grown some, looked more established and firm in its shape and general dimensions. 

This trimming has established the bounds within which the plant may grow. So nowadays the hedge is no great challenge when it comes to pruning time. Other hedges on the property have been dealt with using the same approach and with the same good outcomes. 

It took time and consistent effort. It was hard work in the beginning. It took some severe treatment at times, and at others gentle coaxing. 

I guess this is one of God’s timeless principles for human success, which many in this PC world misunderstand, or ignore. It is found in an observation in Proverbs 22:6, “Teach your children right from wrong, and when they are grown they will still do right” (CEV).

– The Wright Stuff is Trevor Wright's reflections