“…the grass of the field…”

Ever feel like you are pounding your head against the same wall? LOL. Or that whatever efforts you are putting in are futile, at best? Oh boy. Yes!!!

My husband mowed our grass for the first time after the winter. He used a mulching blade, so it would break up the grass. And he also cut it more than once, getting it to a nice length. And when he was done, it looked amazing. I used a week wacker for the first time. I had fun, going around the edges of the house. I had never tried to use it before, because it intimidated me. But I enjoyed it. I think it will be my new toy in the yard. And then Monday rolled around and the grass looked awful. It was all yellow and dried out!

So, being the good wife that I am (lol…that’s for you, sweetie) I got out the hose and set about watering the entire lawn. It takes more than a day, because we have a tiny sprinkler head, attached to our hose. We don’t have sprinklers up here, because they would freeze over winter. Anyway, I started about 9:00am, setting a timer for every 20 minutes. And I had managed to get almost 3/4 of the lawn watered. And then, as I was folding laundry, I realized I needed to turn a light on. Why? Because the sky was totally black and it looked like the sky was going to open up and the rain was going to fall. I ran outside and pulled up the hose, just as the first drops began. And guess what? It rained off and on all night, and is still drizzling today. And the lights are still on, because it is rainy. And I watered my lawn. Yeah; futile effort.

In my mind’s eye, I see an amazing garden, with the majestic mountains in the background. And I hope to work towards that. But the reality is dry grass. Ha-Ha. Oh, and a sink hole where my garden is going to be. And I do not want to beat my head against the wall, or pursue something with even more futile efforts. You know?

A voice says, “Call out.” Then he answered, “What shall I call out?” All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, When the breath of the LORD blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. Isaiah 40:6-7

 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!  And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Luke 12: 27-31

So am I watering in vane, because God takes care of it anyway? No. Because God tells me He will clothe me; He will take care of things. He also tells me “do not worry about it.” And so, I will keep on watering my field, seeking His Kingdom. I will keep on caring for these fragile things in my life. Is it just my garden still unplanted, or my grass brown and withered? Of course not. It is all of those I am charged with caring for – my spouse, children, extended family members, friends, community. They all get a little brown. They all have trouble poking through the soil that is life. But the Lord sends the rain. Sometimes the rain is at my hand, as I am charged with caring (watering) and my efforts add to those blessings of God. He certainly does not want us languishing on couches or indoors all day and night. He wants us out and about in this world. He wants us to care for all living things. And He will bless our efforts. Nothing is ever futile. The walls we bang our heads against will yield fruit, if we just stop to listen to the Whisper of God in our efforts. And our efforts extend out into our communities, one person at a time.

Take a deep breath, step to the left, and carry on. It is a new day. It is cloudy today, but today things were a bit easier, even without the sunshine. The Lord never gives us more than we can handle, futile feelings and all. The wall I bang my head against? That is from God, too. And I am working on changing my outlook, to accept it as His plan for my soul, and to be ever thankful.

Today is the first day of the Farmers’ Market this year, in our little town! It is cloudy and drizzling, but we are still going out and about. We can walk among neighbors, exchange pleasantries, and find joy in the bounty!!! After all, the farmers tilled the earth and watered the soil, too, rain or shine….