Messes

I was shoveling snow out of the driveway and off the sidewalk this morning knowing it was supposed to snow more tonight. So what was the use you might think (and I have sometimes wondered myself). The use is that if it does snow tonight I will have only that snowfall to contend with not that plus what fell before. It got me thinking how that applies to the rest of my life. Have you ever dug yourself out of a mess, often of your own making only to later fall into another mess. Sometimes you just want to throw your hands up in the air and walk away. Think about it though, if you deal with each “mess” as it comes along you don’t end up being buried by the messes stacking up one on top of the other.  God doesn’t expect us to be victorious over all the sin in our lives but he does expect us to deal with it as best as we can on a daily basis. You remember that hated expression your mom used to throw out at you “practice makes perfect”, by working daily on our piles of snow we get better at it and eventually Spring comes along and you find there’s at least one less mess to deal with. When you get to be as proficient as I am with a snow shovel, I have had previous experience, not only can you deal with your own snow but you have the skill and stamina to go help a neighbor with theirs. It’s always easier to accept help with a mess from someone who has had to deal with a mess of their own so don’t be afraid to let people see who you are. You have been brought through trials not only to strengthen your faith but to reach out a hand to someone facing a similar trial. Go on, put your gloves on and get your shovel out.