Confessions of a Peace Lover...

Recently I have had the opportunity to observe two young men who are going thru much the same situation. These young men have no contact with each other, while they may have met once upon a time they probably have no idea that they are presently experiencing similar life issues.

It has been so intriguing to me to watch the way each has handled their situation.

The first young man has chosen to seek wise counsel. He turned to those whose wisdom he respects and asked, "What would you advise me to do?" He has followed the advice that was given, recognizing that it may or may not resolve the situation that brought him to this place, but knowing that no matter what it will equip him to handle things better in the future.

The second young man's response has been a bit different, more of a "fix it or forget it" response.

Of course both situations remind me of the "manure moments" of life!

And whenever I see those "manure moments" I have to think about the potential for great fruit to be harvested - but only if we allow that stinky stuff to do what it can do!

If you're new to this blog you're probably wondering what a "manure moment" is.

They are those times in life when you feel like you've had a pile of "manure" (the Thesaurus says: dung, compost, muck, fertilizer, droppings - yup that pretty much sums it up!) dumped into your life, and it stinks! (see Confessions of A Peace Lover, April 7, 2009) Our natural instinct is to get away from it or get rid of it! But time and time again I have seen how God uses those moments of life that we wouldn't choose - the times that really stink - to grow us into the person that He desires us to be!

A year ago when I wrote on this subject I referenced Matthew 13, the Parable of the Seed (or of the soil, depending on how you look at it), it will be worth your while to take time to read thru that scripture again. Ask yourself "what is the condition of the soil of my soul?" And remember, it is important to be honest with yourself!

Today as I ponder "manure moments" I find myself looking at Galatians 5, we are shown in that passage what kind of fruit will be grown in our lives when we allow the power of the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and in the soil of our hearts. Soil that is well tended and fertilized has the potential for an amazing harvest!

But first the manure/fertilizer has to be worked into the soil. A farmer will tell you this is done either by rain softening the ground and making it able to receive it, or by a tool that is designed to break up the soil and make it ready to absorb the fertilizer - and even then the rain must come to complete the work.

Both require the manure to be present in order for the soil to benefit. If the farmer never moves the manure from the barnyard into the field the soil will not benefit and crop yield will be affected. On a smaller scale, if a gardener never fertilizes the soil in the garden the garden won't produce as well. And if the person who simply likes to grow some pretty flowers doesn't take care of the soil the flowers will never reach their potential for growth and beauty (yes, I am speaking from experience here!).

So could it be that "manure moments" are necessary in our lives to help us produce beautiful blossoms and strong, healthy, tasty, fruit? Could it be that our tears are the part of the process too? Are they the necessary "rain" that soaks our soil and allows the "fertilizer" to be absorbed into our soul? I'm thinkin' yes!

The next time you find yourself in that place where you're saying "this STINKS!!!" stop and ask God to help you remember that He is at work, even when we can't see beyond the pile that has been dumped on us; even when the smell is making our eyes tear up; even when we don't understand WHY it has happened. Ask Him to point you in the right direction, to seek the right tools. Ask Him to cultivate your heart to be able to receive and benefit from this stuff that stinks! The Holy Spirit at work in our lives has the potential to soften the soul of our hearts and make it ready and able to produce some amazing stuff!

Life happens, and it doesn't always happen in the manner or timing that we would choose. By turning to God in prayer, surrendering the situation that we wouldn't have chosen, allowing Him to work in all things - in every area - of our lives, and trusting Him for the outcome, the "manure moments" will be God directed to do the work that needs to be done in our lives in order to grow the fruit that He desires to see our lives produce!

Galatians 5:22-23 in the Message says it beautifully: "But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard - things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely."

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; tasty fruit indeed!

Until next time.

Beth

PS - Happy Birthday to my big brother!