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Day 38: It's a Jungle Out There!



April 22, 2020

 The phrase,”it’s a jungle out there”, usually refers to being away from the comfort and security of our own home. (like being at work or going to the mall on Christmas Eve) For me, it also refers to my literal backyard. We are blessed to have a nice big yard but it definitely comes with a lot of work (as many blessings do). The mowing, weed eating, hedge trimming, sweeping and sweating involved cause us to put this chore off for as long as possible. But when the grass gets so long that June, the chihuahua, is struggling to walk through it, and it’s about to rain for three days straight, the procrastination must end. Mary Poppins says, (in her lovely, musical, English accent) “In every job that must be done there is an element of fun.” Ok, Mary, I guess so. But I’m pretty sure the fun comes after the job is done, when we stand and admire the finished product. Unfortunately, it always grows back. It’s just like cleaning the kitchen or dusting the furniture. It’s beautiful while it lasts but the dirty dishes and the dust always grow back. So, why do it? Why do a job that will just have to be done over and over again? For me, the jobs must be done because I cannot relax and enjoy myself in a dirty house with a messy kitchen surrounded by an out of control tropical forest. I have learned that the sooner and more often I do my “chores” the easier they are to accomplish. (Can I get an “Amen”?) So, since I can’t control the fact that the jobs need doing I can only control my attitude about having to do them. (Oooh, I get it now, Mary Poppins! Thanks!) We must look for the good in every circumstance. We must look for God in every situation. And no matter how many times our doubt, fear or bad attitude grow back, we must continue to cut them down with prayer and the reading of God’s word. The battle for peace is never ending. Luckily we are not fighting alone. God stands behind us, beside us and He goes before us to clear the path. Faith is our lawnmower, trust is our weed eater and hope is our broom that sweeps it all away. Colossians 3:23 says: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Proverbs 16:3 says this: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Keep working! Smile be joyful!

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