Stuck in the Mud

It had rained all month long. Literally. I was discouraged and worried that my tender garden, planted just 13 weeks earlier wouldn’t be able to absorb much more rain. I decided it was time to venture out into my soppy, muddy garden and inspect the damage. I slipped on a pair of old flip-flops, grabbed my garden hoe, gloves and pail, and trotted to the back of the property where my garden was planted.
The path to the garden was wet. My own weight was causing the ground beneath to give a little. As I sloshed through the yard I couldn’t help but notice the weeds, the mud and the obvious lack of care that surrounded the garden, due to the downpours. The usual smell of fresh rain had long since been replaced by the muggy odor of something similar to mildewed socks.

From a few feet away I saw it. A touch of red, mingled between soft green leaves. I nearly leapt with joy, except that my feet were stuck…. in the mud! I made the motions to move quickly to what I eagerly anticipated to be a ripe tomato. I was paralyzed by the brown sludge weighting my flip-flops down.

So after thinking for a moment about how I was to get myself out of this predicament, I made the only logical decision I could think of. I stepped out of the flip-flops and awkwardly jumped-lurched to the grassy yard surrounding the garden. I made it…. but the flip-flops are still stick in the mud somewhere on that garden plot!

The only way to experience freedom from the mud of life is to get control of the situation that weighs you down. For me, getting out of those flip-flops was my ticket to freedom… and to a nice sandwich with a juicy tomato. Life brings rainy days, but the opportunities that God gives us to experience His goodness far succeed the muck and mire. Sometimes we have to look for the escape route. Whether it’s new friends, getting involved in a good church or spending time with God on a regular basis, His presence offers a grassy plot of land to rest and be refreshed.

PRAYER: Lord, help me stay grounded in You. Keep my feet firmly planted in Your ways. Help me be eager to wash the mud off my spiritual shoes when I get sidetracked. Thank You for Your forgiveness, mercy and guidance.

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint,” Isaiah 40:31 KJV.

Today’s devotion is by Gina Stinson. Gina is a work from home mom – busy juggling family, church, homemaking and her job as a publicist assistant. You can read more about her adventures at http://journalinggina.blogspot.com