Thankful for Cleaning

As I was cleaning the bird poop off my front porch, I thought about one of my life verses. If you do not have life verses, I highly recommend them. They help you through the challenges that appear in life. Proverbs 14:4 “Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.”

This verse reminds me that with every opportunity, there comes problems. How you view the situation will determine your success. You cannot take the promotions, advancements, new adventures, or relationships without including the difficulties. God helped me understand this one of the times I was being told off by a lady that did not agree with the message I delivered.

I have a phrase I often say to my students. Satan will always give voice. The sad thing is who Satan speaks through is often the hardest part to process and understand. When evil speaks into your life, then you have a choice. This verse will help you determine what is important to you. If every time someone speaks harsh words to you, you pick up your toys and walk, then you have forgotten the purpose of your mission.

If you want the benefits, advantages, and perks, an ox will give you then you have to be willing to clean out the manger. If you desire God to advance you in any manner, then you have to be willing to take the drawbacks that accompany the growth.

My husband and I love to sit on the front porch and watch the hummingbirds fight. Just because the birds leave their calling card all over the stoop does not mean I am destroying my porch. I just praise God for good cleaners, a sturdy brush, and the strength to clean.

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L. Kathleen Cline

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