learning a lesson while working

If I had more time I would enlarge this post to make it more palatable and entertaining but we are working and do not have the luxury of creative writing. My husband and I are putting up 6' chain link fencing around our property. Not new fencing, but free for the taking down or bought cheap to haul it away fencing. We are old and do not have the funds to purchase new or to hire young workers. God is allowing us to do the work and is providing the materials needed. Originally we wanted the fencing to keep stray neighborhood dogs from us, then God in His wisdom gave us a puppy to fill the yard and now the fence is to safely keep him. Wonderful that God used this dog to give us such a physical workout. Anyway, here is what I observed yesterday.

putting up the fence while trying to save existing, long planted, gardenia bushes

husband had plan, I did not understand

he expected me to just do what he said and not question

Of course, I questioned - a lot of questions/bickering

Finally, we began doing it his way and low and behold it actually worked much easier than the way I was wanting to do it.

Why do I question when time and time again it is clearly proved to me how much better his ways are? How much smarter he is than I am.

This can be applied to - 'God has a plan, we do not understand that either?'

Why do we quibble with God?

Thank you Lord for your patience. Thank you for my husband, although he is not as long on patience as could be. Thank you for the fence & the dog & the time we have to put it up. I pray it will all be for your Glory.

white stone

"God has a plan..." Yes! Another truth that has really been apparent lately is "My ways are not your ways." I was particularly tired, and dreading the weekly trip to the grocery store. The children always seemed to be hounding me for things. Watching them while trying to manage the cart and the list was always overwhelming. So I went into my room, knelt against my bed, and poured out my heart to Jesus, asking Him to please help with this task that I didn't feel up to accomplishing. I stayed there kneeling until I felt His gentle, positive assurance that all would be well. My heart had some doubts as we left, but there was a subtle reassurance that all would be well. Indeed! At the store my youngest asked to push the cart and she did remarkably well with a little coaching. Her sister, barely a year older, volunteered to read the list. I was left with the task of loading the cart. They were thrilled to each have a job. There was no pleading for things. No arguing. As I was being checked out I noticed that they had begun bagging the groceries! I coached them through that, and all went well. After all was bagged and paid for I was happy to give them each a quarter for a piece of gum or candy. What a difference fervent prayer makes when we're faced with a difficult situation. I think trials arise so that we will be prompted to ask for His help. Is this not the reason Christ came: to renew our fellowship with Him? What a wonderful thing, that the Powerful Creator of the Universe longs to have personal interaction with us on a daily basis. That He is pleased when we turn our thoughts to Him in a call for help or simply in a grateful aknowledgement of Who He is!

Hello Joseph2,

Thank you for sharing your experience & thoughts along the line of this thread. :)

I think trials arise so that we will be prompted to ask for His help.

Amen & amen!! That is truth.

When I am faced with things that trouble me, I say the Jesus Prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God,
Have mercy on me, a sinner.

You better be careful or you may find yourself writing a child behavior book. I say that tongue in cheek, I bet it would sell. I think it was a very good way to teach responsibility and bring peace at the same time.

white stone