Laughing Midst the Weeds

I sleepily rolled over and opened my eyes to the unexpected sound of laughter. I had seen my husband off to work a couple of hours before and had laid back down for a few more winks, as I was feeling unusually tired, so I knew the laughter was not coming from inside the house, but I did not know who it could be, so I curiously peeped under a curtain to see.

Outside I spotted several ladies with hoes in hand talking and laughing as they busily weeded the surrounding yard. I recognized them as the ladies our landlord had hired to do landscaping. As I turned away, my curiosity appeased, I paused a moment. How often do I laugh while I am out hoeing weeds? Either literal or figurative ones?

When we encounter spiritual weeds (sin) in our lives, do we find pleasure in the hoeing out process? I know from experience that I often do not submit to this weeding without some measure of discomfort to say the least, and when I feel twinges of pain I am not in the habit of laughing. Not to mention that hoeing can be back breaking, arm wearing work which leaves me tempted to complain. No, rejoicing at removing weeds is hardly my natural response.

Yet, here in these ladies I saw an example of what I should be. Of how I should rejoice when God reveals the weeds in my heart and prods me to remove them. How the twinges of pain should be reason for a triumphant smile as it signifies His work in me and the removal of that which is unholy in the process of making me more like Him.

Moving Monday

You guessed it, we are moving (or will be moved by the time you see this post). Thankfully we are moving within the same community and not halfway across the country, but still, moving is moving. It requires planning, packing, and cleaning...among other things like ENERGY.

We have known we would be moving for a few months, and known where for about a month, and have only been able to begin the process in earnest within the last few days. God has blessed us with the opportunity to not live in an apartment this time, which we are grateful for. However, the place we are moving to has been empty for a few years and much dust and many cobwebs had made their home there. That meant we had much cleaning to do. All of the walls needed to be wiped down, the windows washed, and the kitchen and bathroom thoroughly scrubbed.

Now, I am not afraid of a little dirt and a little hard work, please do not get me wrong. But, you see, that was not the whole of it. If you or your spouse are a Law Enforcement Officer than you probably know all about consecutive days of long shifts. If you are not in law enforcement, think of three twelve hour days plus time to commute. So, you see, not only was there cleaning to do, but there was also packing, keeping up with food and laundry, a moving deadline looming overhead, and all of this must be accomplished without my husband. Oh, and did you noticed the big, bold "energy" in the first paragraph? I have been lacking in that due to being pregnant. Are you beginning to get the picture?

As moving day loomed closer and closer I had many moments of near despair, but my sweet husband, continued to remind me that God would be our strength and stay. That I must continue to put my trust in Him, especially when I felt I had nothing left to give. In my tired, more emotional moments I struggled to cling to this truth, but He showed Himself faithful time and again. He sent family to help. Family who joyously dropped their own responsibilities for a whole afternoon to clean, and another day to help with the packing, and a third to help with the move.

Yes, there are challenges to the Law Enforcement life. There are many times that I must face big changes and challenges without my husband directly by my side. Yes, it is hard and stretches me to the point of breaking. It is a sacrifice, but it is one that I am willing to make. Why? Because one, God has called George to Law Enforcement, two, He has called me to be George's helper, and three, my husband is helping make life a little safer for the masses.

On the hard days, on the alone days, that is when I realize yet again what a wonderful God we serve. Without His sustaining power, His gifts of mercy and grace (like family), and His faithfulness I could not be who I am called to be, the wife of a Law Enforcement Officer. Whatever challenges you may be facing today, I pray that you may also find your sustenance in Him!

~ Gracie