And then there was mud…
This past week we had snow!
That’s not a surprise. Most of the United States had snow last week. Ours in the South was lovely–both as it fell and the following day with sunshine and brilliant blue sky.
But, something rather ugly happens after snow…
MUD!
Temperatures in the fifties rapidly turn ten inches of snow into a sea of mud and mire. On a farm, this dark gook attaches itself to person and beast, making a mess both outside and inside the house.
I love snow!
It’s peaceful silence when falling, its pristine beauty in sparkling sunlight and the way the earth seems purified when covered in fluffy white brings joy to my heart.
But, afterward comes the mud…
I confess, I do not love brown snow and mud when I trudge through sludge to take care of the animals, my boots are covered in miry muck as clumps of brown gleefully splash onto my jeans.
But, isn’t there “mud” in our everyday lives? Don’t we all experience the trials of disappointment, sorrow, frustration, failure and rejection at some point in our lives? Darkness intervenes into the sunshine of our daily lives.
But…
Would we know the ecstasy of joy if we’ve never known sorrow?
Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.” John 16:20
Can we experience the ultimate satisfaction of accomplishment if we’ve never known failure?
The word of the Lord came to me saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young. But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go wherever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 1:4-8
Can we appreciate the mountain top if we’ve never been in the valley?
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
If we’ve never known trials, can we understand and be thankful for the gift of grace?
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
When I think of the big picture, my minor complaints seem trivial. Yet I know my Lord cares about our trials. John the Baptist doesn’t discuss the “mud” issues of life when he prepared his people for the coming of Jesus. But, his words quoted from the Prophet of Isaiah make clear that our Lord came to lift us from the valley and smooth the rough paths in our lives so that we might freely follow Jesus.
Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth.” Luke 3:5
And the most vital promise follows in the next verse:
“And all the people will see God’s salvation.” Luke 3:6
So when I’m whining about mud…
Or complaining about the other “small” difficulties of life, I pray I can remember God’s greatest gift of love to us, His Son, Jesus, who loves us so much (in spite of our failures and weaknesses) that he gave His life for us, that we might live with Him in eternity.
Praying that your rough pathways will be made smooth, my friends. Wishing you a blessed week!
I’m working on doing all things without grumbling or complaining and this is a great reminder to look up above the “mud” of life and enjoy God’s goodness! Thank you.
I’m still working on that, too! It seems as if my plan to always look for the best in people and situations is going along well, then–POW! Something sneaks in and I get upset and frustrated. I’ll pray for you and I’m grateful for you your prayers as we try to give up grumbling! Wishing you a blessed day, Michele.
Yes, there’s lots of ‘mud’ in our lives – so very thankful that God is with me through valley, mountaintop, snow, mud and everything in between! Thanks for the thought-provoking words! May God bless your week as well, and may it be mud-free and glorious!
Thank you for your encouraging words, Julie! Our God is with us every step–so thankful! Hope your week is filled with sunshine and blessings.
That’s a great attitude to take in hard times. Winter makes the spring look that much better!
Yes, Heather, these cold rainy or snowy days make the coming of spring that much more joyful. Aren’t we blessed to have four seasons so we can appreciate each one?