Fish Gotta' Eat

Some things you only have to do once...have your appendix taken out, graduate from high school, give your heart to Jesus. Most things, though, we do over and over again. And again. And again. You know, the ordinary, everyday activities of life and living. 

Contrary being that I am, I have both complained about those things and longed for them. I have stood with my hands on my hips and thought, "I just cleaned these floors six weeks ago. What's with all this dust?"  And the clothes...don't get me started on the ironing! And didn't we just buy groceries? And why can't things just get done and stay done? Is that too much to ask?

Riley

I thought about all this one morning as I walked by my fish and wondered, "When did I feed them last?" I have forgotten to water plants until they died, enough times that my husband has some not very nice things to say when I buy new ones. I have almost forgotten to feed Riley before I leave the house in the morning. But Riley barks and whines and won't let me forget for long. Fish can't do that. Their fate is in my hands, poor things. 

In the interest of full disclosure, I have NEVER forgotten to feed myself. 

Thing One

But back to my point...which is, in the past couple of months we've been so preoccupied

with hospitals and rehab centers and nursing homes that I found myself sometimes wishing I could just go home and do some laundry, and maybe dust a little. And feed the fish. It's such a simple, mindless task for me. It doesn't take any special effort. I just have to do it. If I don't, eventually we'd be holding a tiny memorial service for them - right before the flush. 

Thing Two

 Fish Gotta' Eat

 I've accepted the fact that those simple tasks that we sometimes complain about are evidence of God's provision for us. Dirty dishes mean we've had plenty to eat. Laundry day means we have clothes to wear and a washer and dryer that work, and the physical ability to carry clothes to the laundry room and put them away when we're done. All those household chores are there because we have a home that is safe and things to put in it. Yes, they are all signs of God's provision for us. 

But I think they are God's provision in a way I've not thought about before. That is the peace of doing something normal. We miss it all the time, don't we? I know I do. But sometimes doesn't it feel good and comfortable and restful to just clean up the kitchen? Our lives are so crazy sometimes - work, family issues, school, sickness, life. God cares for us and shores us up through those times, and then he lets us go home and feed the fish. 

I'm so thankful for that. I'm so thankful that every moment is a blessing if I will only take time to see it. I love the fact that with God, everything has a purpose to bless us. Even the normal, boring, mundane things we must do over and over again. I hope I can remember that and be thankful. It is God's way of giving me rest in the middle of the busyness. He is so good. 

Praying for you today. 

Sherri 

Question for you:  What has God done for you lately to give you rest from your busy life?