But even though it has unpleasant qualities, this “weed” had a useful purpose. Early settlers used it as makeshift mattress filling, thus the name “bedstraw.” This is an example of a nuisance that was used for good.

Often we view situations (or even people) negatively at worst, or a challenge at best. But like bedstraw, they can affect our lives positively. Hardships and difficult people can bring out the best (or worst) in us. We can use them for personal growth and for an opportunity to draw closer to God as we contemplate how we will overcome the obstacles or “weeds” that inevitably come into our lives.

(Barbara Fischer lives in Grass Valley and from time to time will submit “musings” from her foothill home.