Proverbs 14:4 “Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.”
I know this verse has much to do with work ethics, laziness and being productive. Certainly, the farmer without oxen does not have the worry and chore that comes with mucking stalls; however, he also has no way to plow his field or harvest his grain! But this verse is also a reminder to check our focus. Yes, many blessings we enjoy simply because we have a Heavenly father that loves us. But, often, our blessings come with much effort, long nights, sacrifice or even tears. And if our focus is on the stalls to be mucked, how quickly we can lose sight of the blessing of the harvest!!
This is true for all of us….but this morning I was thinking of mommies with little ones. This story comes to mind – when our three were little we often made road trips to visit my parents. Somehow, it became our little tradition that whenever we returned home, we would unpack the car and then order pizza delivered. Such a small thing was such a big deal for my little guys!! The three of them would wait anxiously for the pizza man to arrive and then squeal with delight once he knocked on the door!
I greeted the pizza man, after one such trip, with my children squealing and giggling, feeling just a bit too travel-weary! And I will never forget what he said. He smiled, “I love the sounds of a happy house!” Happy!?!? I sorta thought the kids were overly wound from being in the car for eight hours, too loud, and even starting to aggravate my last nerve….how quickly that pizza man changed my focus! My children were playing, laughing and happy (and I didn’t even have to cook! 🙂 )
Time does fly. Certainly I don’t want to miss the joy of my blessings today because I am focused on the dirty stalls….or other inconveniences that may come with those blessings!
wow, wow, WOW, and one more WOW!!! You just blessed my socks off girl!!! I have REALLY messy stalls right now, but laying in bed last night holding Kade's little chubby hand (yes, I sleep with the boys sometimes…Ronnie doesn't mind =) I thanked the Lord for exceedingly and abundantly giving me more than I could ask or think. Blessings today my sweet friend in this Titus 2 post to me!
I completely agree with what Dawn said…you blessed me BIG TIME today! Cherish every moment is what I always say…they go by, oh, so fast!
Thank you so much for the reminder!
What a great post, Jennifer!
Being a "farm girl" I kinda turn it around abit! I like "mucking the stalls"! It's quiet there and I can think about my blessings and thank God for them. And I'm sure He doesn't mind me talking to Him in the barn ~ He's been there! ;~}
Blessings!
Oh how easy it is to get caught up in the daily girnd. What a beautiful reminder to cultivate a happy home! Thanks for a great encouragement today!
Thanks, Jennifer…I needed this reminder today.
thank you pizza man! that was really neat that he A: noticed and B: commented about how nice it was.
great post…and so true – they grow up way too fast – trust me!
Sweet Blessings
Children are such a blessing and they are all grown in the blink of an eye.We have to appreciate every day with them. Thank you for this post~it reminds me that we can always choose to have a happy home full of love. God bless, Rose
Wow~ What a great post!!! Thanks for this reminder. I'm enjoying reading your blog and will certainly be back!