Dirty Gloves

[IslandRose]

I'm in the process of planning a Spring Tea for the ladies of my church. It's something I do occasionally just to let them know how much I appreciate them. The theme of this tea is "Sowing Seeds of Kindness" and I am decorating with clay pots and gardening things.

This morning I was thinking about a little display/decoration using my own gardening gloves and tools. I was trying to decide which things I should use. You see I have two pairs of gloves. One pair I have used for quite a while. They used to be purple suede. When I got them they were pretty and supple. But after long hard use, especially since the Storm, they are now mostly brown and worn with little holes in certain places where they have worn through. My other pair was bought for me by one of my church ladies after she saw my old gloves. They too are soft suede, light green this time. I haven't yet used them so they are are soft green and pristine as the day they were given to me.

The difference in these two pair of gloves started me thinking about other aspects of my days spent in my garden. The changes in me. My knees are rough and a bit calloused from time spend on them digging up the soil. I have developed more strength from shoveling dirt and pushing the wheelbarrow. In some ways my eyes are keener, as I have learned to detect certain weeds that hide in my flower beds. My skin is tanned from time in the sun. All these things are the result of time put into working my little bit of soil.

Then the Holy Spirit led my mind to another comparison. How well am I working the field that God has placed me in?

When God looks at my hands, does he see hands that are worn, calloused, maybe even dirty from time working the spiritual soil of those around me? Are my knees rough, calloused from time spent on them in prayer? Is my faith stronger, my determination firmer? Is my spiritual vision clear? Have I learned by experience how to detect the "weeds" so that I can nurture that which is truth. And does my face, my countenance show that I have spent time with the SON?

These things would be the result of Working the field of souls. I'm afraid that there are many times that my spiritual gardening gloves are just too clean and soft. I am determined to get out there and wear them out.

Matthew 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.

IR

[darkest_red]

Wow. Excellent post. Very thought provoking.

[IslandRose]

Thank you for your kind replies.

You know, I have found that God speaks to me through everyday events and in unusual places. So often when I am at home with my family there is so much noise all around that I cannot hear the voice of God. I have begun to make a habit of driving without any music or radio going. Don't get me wrong, I love good music, but on the road, I spend my time talking to the Lord and it has amazed me that there in my car is where He has given me insights to problems I had struggled with or opened my eyes to truths I had not yet fully comprehended.

Our world is full of busy-ness and noise. It's hard to find time to just "be still." And one of the most important lessons I am still learning is that busy-ness does not equal godliness. It seems like we are in a constant state of movement. It's like we are afraid that if we are caught sitting still, everyone will believe we are lazy, or not a good parent because our kids are not involved in every activity offered. Our churches are often guilty of having so many events for family members that we are kept too busy to just find time to sit and be still. All this bleeds over into our devotional life and it shows when we start looking for ways to make our "quiet times more exciting..."

I don't have the answers to all of this. All I know is that I, personally, am trying to put aside some of the "noise" that is crowding out that "still, small voice." I'm trying to figure out what is vital for my family and I and to put aside some of the busy-ness.

IR

[Avodah]

Wonderful post IR.

[tsth]

Then the Holy Spirit led my mind to another comparison. How well am I working the field that God has placed me in?

When God looks at my hands, does he see hands that are worn, calloused, maybe even dirty from time working the spiritual soil of those around me? Are my knees rough, calloused from time spent on them in prayer? Is my faith stronger, my determination firmer? Is my spiritual vision clear? Have I learned by experience how to detect the "weeds" so that I can nurture that which is truth. And does my face, my countenance show that I have spent time with the SON?

What wonderful impressions a mind can produce when under the influence!!! Truly, these are thoughts taken captive, aren't they. I am blessed by them. Thank you for sharing them IslandRose.

In His Love,

Suzanne