I came across another gem today whilst browsing the internet. It's a TV show called Desperate Landscapes, and it almost makes me wish that I watched TV.

Here's a description from the show's homepage:

"Nothing is more embarrassing than having the ugliest yard on the block—especially when your neighbors call you out! Armed with creative solutions, in one day licensed contractor Jason Cameron transforms a negligent neighbor’s troubled yard into an outdoor show place."

Nothing is more embarrasing. Wait, nothing? Hmm...

I do admit that I enjoy having a tidy yard. But how is it that we're not more embarrassed about divorce or our unwillingness to help our neighbors? Shouldn't we blush about spending beyond our means and gossiping behind our coworker's back? We are more concerned about keeping up appearances. "Everything is fine over here. We've got our stuff together." We publicly insist that we have our ducks in a row. Ironically, the host is also a certified personal trainer.

There's nothing wrong with looking good. I like a nicely landscaped garden. But don't we worry too much about how the garden looks from across the street and not enough the aphids eating the leaves? In life, as in gardening, we make judgements by the packaging and realize too late that we're only getting 20 chips in a bag that could hold 120.

Am I willing to forego my need for a terraced patio and have dinner with a good friend?

1 Samuel 16:7