I’m not sure how we came to that agreement, but it has worked great for the last thirty years. He has held up his end of the bargain beautifully, but sadly I have been shirking my duty for a while. So the other day, my son and I began reshaping the front flower garden. We made it considerably larger, making room for more perennials. This was a very exciting thought! The following day was gorgeous, so I headed out once again into the front yard with lofty goals to work the dirt and pull out the dead grass and weeds. For several hours I worked in the blazing sun. It was tough, but I appreciated the exercise. This past February, I wrapped up a year-long journey with breast cancer and was grateful for this opportunity to regain the strength I had lost. That being said, after several hours of shovelling and trying to mix peat moss into the soil, exhaustion and discouragement crept in.
Drained and overwhelmed, I went and sat on our front porch for a break and some water. My mind began spinning with all the work left to do. Suddenly, the responsibilities I faced in the yard and within our family life seemed endless. Foolishly, I measured the work against the little remaining strength I had left, and tears filled my eyes. Looking upward, all I could say was, “God, I am SO TIRED.” Why I took it up with God, I’m not sure. I guess I figured meaningful relationships have to be honest, and He should know I was at my limit.
After a few minutes, I began puttering in the dirt again. Immediately, someone called from across the street. “Hey can I come and rototill that for you”? Turning, I saw a young man who pulled up in a van across the street. “Pardon,” I asked, confused. “Can I rototill your place after I am done with my friend’s house here? I’ll do it for free”. I was going to say I was ok, but thankfully I came to my senses. He did a significantly better job than I ever could have, and within minutes peat moss and fertilizer were mixed in, and the garden looked fantastic! I let him know he was a gift from God. I’m not sure he believed me, but there is no doubt in my mind.
Friend, are you also reaching your limit? Tell God about it, he is always listening, and he cares. His Word tells us in Psalm 34:17-18, “The righteous cry out, and the LORD HEARS, and delivers them from all their troubles.” That day God allowed me to do what I could, but when I could bear no more, He took over.
-Charlene Ramstead - Regina Beach, Lumsden, Craven, Southey Layperson
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Disclaimer: opinions expressed are those of the writer.
