Category: allegories, analogies, and parables

Life is Like Enlarging a Fish Pond, Part 11 – Growing in Unexpected Places

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parablesLeave a comment

It doesn’t make any sense. A dianthus flower should be planted in good soil, not growing in the water. All the books that I have read say that its roots will rot in too much water. However, my dianthus is doing fine.

This goes to show that we can’t believe everything the world tells us.

God sometimes plants us in places that don’t make sense or are contrary to our learned understanding of what we need in order to grow well. It’s okay. We can trust that He has a purpose no matter how unlikely the environment. If we keep our roots in the living water of His Spirit, we will flourish.

Scriptures:

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, Psalm 92:12-14

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Revelation 22:1

Life is Like Enlarging a Fish Pond, Part 10 – The Mess

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parablesLeave a comment

I stood up from the side of the pond and stretched my back. I thought laying rocks around the edge of the pond to hide the lining would be easy compared to what I had already accomplished. But no. This was like doing a jigsaw puzzle – except with very large, heavy pieces. I had to find rocks that fit together, and they had to look natural. That meant choosing different sizes, textures, and colors and finding ways to arrange them to cover every inch of the lining without it looking like they were covering every inch of a lining.

I had just reached a spot that required a large rock with a particular shape that I knew I had. As I stood, I looked around. Now, where did I see it last? Tubs were holding water plants until the bog pond was ready for them. Tools were left where they were last used. Clay and leaves covered the grass. The protective netting was draped over the rocks and tubs. Piles of dirt, concrete blocks, and bricks were scattered everywhere. Finding the piles of rocks, never mind one particular rock, in such a mess would not be easy. Or fast. Sighing, I began the hunt.

I admire people who can keep a clean work area. I cannot. Every flat surface gets covered with tools, inspiring materials, discarded items, and trash that didn’t make it into a trash bag. It doesn’t matter how often I stop to clean it up, within hours (or days depending on the project), everything becomes a mess again. I’ve learned to live with it.

I like to think I take after my Father. He also seems to create a mess whenever He’s working in me. When I first became His child, He brought to the surface emotions I had long buried. He showed me an inspiring future but kept jobs out of my reach. He changed my living conditions forcing me to move. He placed new ideas in my mind that mingled with old lies that hadn’t been tossed out yet. And He surrounded me with new tools – the Bible, spiritual books, highlighters, people, and music.

Over the years, there have been times when things seemed to be cleaned up. Everything in my life looked neat and tidy. But then God’s work in me would continue and a mess would quickly replace my comfortable life. New feelings from deep in my heart would be dug up and left in the open. New aspects of God and the spiritual world would fill my mind along with ideas that I clung to in case I would need them in the future. An inspiring mission would be placed in my heart but I would be kept from acting on it. Details in my life would shift and change, sometimes requiring me to move again. And I would end up surrounded with new tools to explore.

At first I would get distressed at each mess I saw. How could this be God? Isn’t He a God of order? What if this was discipline? What did I do wrong? Or is this the devil? Am I supposed to pray against it? Discouragement and confusion often complicated the work being done in me.

Yes, God is a God of order according to the Bible. However, many times we just can’t see that order. On top of that, God is also the God of storms, which are filled with chaos – roaring thunder, streaks of lightning, tossing seas. When He shakes us to remove what doesn’t belong, we may feel totally out of control. It may feel as if everything in our lives – both inner and outer – is such a mess. But we can relax knowing that He in in total control of every detail and every moment.

Over the years, as my trust in Him grows, my despair is slowly being replaced with quiet assurance that God knows what He is doing. I am learning to abide in Him, to live patiently with the mess – when I recognize it and remember that it’s temporary – and trust that God will clean it up in His time. I have also come to believe that what I, and maybe the people around me, see as a mess, God sees as a masterpiece.

Let’s learn to abide in God. To allow Him to work as He knows best. To trust that what looks and feels like a mess to us, like the underside of a piece of embroidery, will look amazing when we get to see it from God’s perspective.

And – just as important – let us extend the same grace to others as they grow in Christ. Let’s trust that the mess we may see from our viewpoint is a sign of God’s work and that one day we will see the beauty that God sees.

Scriptures:

At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, Hebrews 12:26-28

But all things should be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:11-13

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. 1 Corinthians 14:33a

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. John 15:9

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. Nahum 1:3b

At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, ”Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken – that is, things that have been made – in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Hebrews 12:26-27

But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:25

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15a

For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

You keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD God is an everlasting rock. Isaiah 26:3-4

I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. Psalm 131:1-2

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Life is Like Enlarging a Fish Pond, Part 9 – Tadpoles

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parablesLeave a comment

As the murky water cleared in my new pond and I was able to look down through the water, I was dismayed to find a bunch of  leaves and muck on the bottom. I had tried so carefully to prevent anything from falling into the water while working on it, so where did all this stuff come from? And how do I get rid of it?

I know that a little muck is beneficial for the fish and plant life, but I didn’t like seeing it. Apparently I wasn’t alone. Some people get rid of the muck by draining the pond and getting inside to scrub the lining and rocks. That wasn’t going to happen in my case, but I did have a pool vacuum which other people mentioned that they used. However, a larger group of people said to leave it, at least for this year. Next year I would have to clean out some of it but for now, just enjoy the pond as it is.

I spent several days debating which group of people to follow. Clean it out or leave it in until later?

And then I noticed something that made my decision easier for me. Tadpoles. Hundreds of tadpoles. Maybe even thousands throughout the entire pond. Tiny squishy spots that swam from place to place. No way could I vacuum the muck without vacuuming up these babies. I decided that I will wait until they are mature frogs and find their own places to live before I get rid of the muck.

Jesus once told a parable about a similar situation. A man sowed good seed in his field but while his men were sleeping, his enemy sowed weeds among the wheat. When the plants came up and bore grain, the weeds also appeared. The workers asked whether to pull up the weeds but the man said that it would harm the wheat so let them grow. When the wheat is harvested, the weeds could be easily separated and burned. Jesus later explained that He was the man who sowed His people in the kingdom of God. But the devil sowed his followers in with them. At harvest time, the angels will separate out the lawless ones from the Believers and cast them in a fiery furnace.

In today’s world, we see two groups of people. Those who are living for God and those who aren’t. Removing the ones who aren’t might damage those who are so God lets them stay until the time is right. He protects His people even if that means others appear to get away with sin. But at the right time, they will pay for their sin.

Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Psalm 37:1-3

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Romans 6:23

Just like He told His angels not to remove the weeds in case it hurt the wheat. I chose not to remove the muck in case it hurt the tadpoles. A little muck doesn’t overcome the beauty of the flowers that surround the pond, the mesmerizing ripples of the water flowing over pebbles, the peaceful splash of the waterfalls, and the joyful fun of watching the tadpoles grow and develop.

I wonder if that’s what God thinks when He looks down from heaven at us.

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

Are You Ready?

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parablesLeave a comment
Photo by Frans van Heerden on Pexels.com

 “Jenny, time to get ready. We’ll be leaving soon.”

The seven-year-old looked up at her mother. “Okay, mom.” And then she went back to reading the book she held.

Mom left the room to make her own preparations. The room was quiet. Jenny kept reading.

Ten minutes later, Rodney, her older brother, poked his head into her room. “Jenny, didn’t you hear? We will be leaving soon. You need to get ready.”

“I am,” she replied without looking up.

“No, you’re not.” Rodney pointed at her. “You haven’t changed your clothes or put on your socks and shoes. You’re not ready.”

“I have my travel bag packed. It will just take a second to change clothes.” Jenny muttered. “I have time.”

Shaking his head, Rodney left to make his own preparations.

Minutes later Jenny’s little sister came into the room. Going to her bed, she pulled her shoes out from under it and began to put them on.  “Jenny,” she said. “Mommy says be ready. Why aren’t you getting dressed?”

“Just a minute. I’m almost finished with this chapter. Then I’ll get dressed.” Jenny continued reading, and didn’t notice when her sister left the room.

From time to time her mother’s voice would softly drift into the room. “Jenny, are you ready?” Each time, Jenny pushed it to the side. She would get ready, just not at this moment. She really wanted to get to the end of the chapter. Finally, she got to the last page and closed the book. This had been one of the longest chapters she had ever read.

Just as she put the book down, her mother came into the room. “I’m leaving now. I see you are not ready. You will have to stay here with dad.”

“Wait!” Jenny called out. “I want to go with you!”

“But you’re not ready.”

“It will only take a minute. You didn’t give me enough time.”

“Sorry, you had as much time as the others. You chose to wait. You chose to do something else instead of what I asked you. It’s too late now.” Mother smiled sadly, and then left the room.

Jenny sat on her bed, devastated. Why did her mother appear so suddenly and tell her it was too late? All she needed was a few more minutes. It wasn’t fair.

Have you ever thought about God’s longsuffering? About how He gives us a long, long time to respond to Him? He has been calling people to Him for centuries. He’s been warning us for two thousand years to be ready for His return, but since He hasn’t returned yet, some people may think He has forgotten us. We may think it will be centuries more before He comes.  We may take for granted that when He comes, we will have time to put on our shoes and go with Him.

He has warned us numerous times to be ready at all times. What does that mean in our day-to-day lives? At one point early in my life, I thought it meant to have no future plans. His return was imminent so why work for a future that wouldn’t happen? But then, when he didn’t return, I was forced to consider my future. I went to college, began a career, got married, had kids – and slowly my focus was less on Jesus and more on my life. If He had returned in those years, would I have been prepared?

I feel burdened that God’s people are sleepwalking though life. They may go to church, participate in a Bible study, give to the needy, and love their families. They may profess to love God and want to be with Him forever. But their lives show a different story. They continue to live by the world’s standards, follow their own dreams and goals, and get offended easily by the behavior of other people. They compromise what the Bible says to make their lives easier and more pleasant. They pray and seek Him – until they are distracted. And then they go about their lives keeping Him in their peripheral vision – enough to know He’s there but their time and focus is on themselves – their wants, desires, goals, dreams, chores, plans, family, hobbies, entertainment, friendships…. They don’t reject Him. They just kind of put Him to the side. Like I did in my earlier years.

How does the Bible describe what being awake looks like?

According to Romans 13:11-14, we are to cast off the works of darkness. This includes not just the more obvious ones like immorality and drunkenness, but also the ones we tend to justify such as dishonesty (white lies), quarreling and jealousy. We are also to put on the armor of Light. This means to “wear” Jesus everywhere we go. We let His light shine into every situation, guiding our actions and reactions and bringing hope to others. And we are to make no provision to gratify the desires of our flesh but instead our focus should be on spiritual matters.

One day Jesus will come just like He said He would. And it will feel “suddenly” just like He warned. Are we ready if He comes this year? This month? This day? This hour? What if He’s here in our next breath?

Will He find us awake and prepared? Will He find us using our talents for Him? Will He find us treating each other well? Will He find our hearts totally devoted to Him and our lives revolving around Him?

Or will He find us distracted and sleepy, easily deceived by the enemy, neglecting our talents, and focused more on ourselves and on the world than on Him?

God is waking up His people. Let us respond quickly and eagerly. Let us encourage those still sleeping to wake up. He loves us and gave up everything for us. Let us do no less than to love Him fervently and put Him first in every part of our lives, replacing procrastination with wholeheartedly obedience to His Word.

Let us put down our books and get dressed before it’s too late.

Scriptures:

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him. ’Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out. ’But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. Matthew 25:1-13

 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36

 “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.  Revelation 3:1b-3

 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16

(“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) Revelation 16:15

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:11-14

Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:1-2

The Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:14-30

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 24:36-51

Life is Like Enlarging a Fish Pond, Part 8 – The Waterfall

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parablesLeave a comment
Not my waterfall – this was my inspiration

Of course I wanted to add a waterfall to my pond. Why wouldn’t I? The sound of falling water was so peaceful. So I looked at photos and videos, learned some dos and don’ts. And then chose the waterfall I wanted to recreate. It was simple. Large, flat rocks stacked three high. Various size rocks along its side. ‘I can do that,’ I thought.

I dug out and lined the area, got my largest flat rocks, and began building. It worked! The water ran delightfully across the rocks and into the pond. The fake flowers I put among the rocks (until I could plant real one) added color. It was beautiful! There was just one problem. The waterfall looked out of place. It was too big for the pond. I could leave it. I should have left it, but I decided I would end up regretting not changing it while I had a chance. So I dismantled the whole thing except for the lining.

I placed a couple of flat stones, added a few rounder ones in different sizes, and turned on the water. The finished product was beautiful, but the water wouldn’t flow correctly. It kept going under the rocks instead of over them. So I got some pond spray foam and sealed off the bottoms of the rocks. Now the water flowed over them, but the foam in inexperienced hands was obvious. I could keep it but knew my eyes would always be drawn to the ugly foam that showed no matter how much I tried to cover it. I’d have to start over.

No foam, only one level, Surely this would work. And it did. The water flowed nicely, rippling over stones and pebbles in several streams. I absolutely loved it. That’s why it was completely disappointing when folded parts of the lining showed. Sunlight would eventually cause the lining to crack. I tried to cover them but no matter how I tried, the force of the water pushed the stones off the folds in the lining – the same folds that created the wonderful rippling. I could keep it but knew sooner or later I would only have to replace it. It would be better to do so now than a year from now when the plant life became established.

So I started over. Again. I removed everything, including the lining. I dug out the area a lot deeper before putting the liner back on it, kept the waterfall one level, and covered every part of the lining with rocks and stones and a few branches. A few harder- to-cover places were left for plants to cover. It didn’t have the nice, bubbling streams as the last waterfall, but it was nice enough. The water flowed quietly in several directions before splashing into the pond. There were plenty of places to add plants, including a couple of deeper pools. But there was one problem. I had gotten carried away and now it was too big for my pond. It looked huge. It was even bigger than my first waterfall.

I decided that I was NOT going to start over. It is what it is. Too bad I didn’t have this attitude with my first waterfall. It would have saved me days of toil.

But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are out potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8

The work I put into this waterfall reminds me of the work God puts into me. He has a plan and builds circumstances to shape me into His vision. It doesn’t always work out. Maybe I don’t cooperate. Maybe I ignore His guidance because it doesn’t line up with my own ideas. Or maybe I complain, or worse, flat out reject it because I don’t like it. Then He has to slap be back onto the spinning wheel and start over.

I eventually gave up on the waterfall. But God will never give up on me.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

My only job is to cooperate with Him. He knows what He is doing. Do I trust Him enough to allow Him to do what He needs to do?

Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 Corinthians 6:1

The Israelites often complained. Complaining showed lack of faith or belief. They were saying they didn’t think God was doing the best for them. He didn’t care. Or He wasn’t in control. They were receiving God’s grace in vain.

Are we any different?

We are concerned that we look perfect, fit in perfectly with our surroundings, and hide everything we don’t want exposed to the world. When God has other ideas, when He separates us from others, when He reveals sensitive areas that need attention, when he removes or adds people and things in our lives – do we accept it because we trust our good Father – or do we complain and refuse to cooperate?

Let’s cooperate. That way we won’t have to keep starting over and it will save all of us a lot of work.

Life is Like Enlarging a Fish Pond, Part 7 – The Toads

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parablesLeave a comment

The loud croaking of toads – I mean the LOUD croaking of toads drew me towards the plastic fish pond next to the larger dug-out pond. I had drained and cleaned the smaller one in preparation of lining it when I lined the larger pond but then abandoned it when the lining wasn’t long enough to cover both. My neglect was evident as I looked into the muddy rain water that now dirtied the pond. Clay is horrible to clean. It stains everything it touches. Because I had not protected the pond, I would now have to drain it again and ruin more towels when the new liner arrived.

I turned to go back to laying rocks around the big pond but the croaking interrupted me again. Where were those toads?

And then I saw them. Nine toads had fallen or jumped into the plastic pond. Apparently they couldn’t jump back out so it was up to me to rescue them. But how was I supposed to get them out? The bottom of that pond was too low for me to reach from where I stood. I didn’t really want to step into the water – shoes or no shoes. And they completely ignored the branch-ramp I carefully set in the pond.

Then I saw the fish net. Perfect. In minutes the toads were happily doing their thing among the plants in the larger pond.

Just like my neglect in securing the plastic pond caused a problem for the toads, our neglect in life can cause problems for other people. Broken promises to help someone in need can cause that need to remain unmet because the person was counting on us to meet it. Leaving early or not showing up for our shift serving at the food pantry can leave the group shorthanded. Inconsistently attending a Bible study and asking the group to catch us up on what we missed causes the whole group to lose momentum.

Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. Proverbs 18:9

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16

Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 1 Timothy 4:14

But the ones most affected by our procrastination and neglect, especially of something God called us to do, are ourselves. Not taking every thought captive to obey Christ can trap us in old thinking patterns and sin.  Inconsistently reading the Bible or not putting into action what we read keeps us from growing spiritually. Neglecting meeting with other believers or in going to church puts us in danger of growing cold and eventually being deceived into wrong beliefs.

Rationalization, justification, explanation – it doesn’t matter. The bottom line is that something that should be done isn’t. God calls that disobedience.

Hear instructions and be wise, and do not neglect it. Proverbs 8:33

What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father? Matthew 21 28-31

And disobedience has dire consequences.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 7:21

In the case of my pond, I couldn’t finish it along with the other because I didn’t have the materials I needed. But that doesn’t excuse the way I left it. I could have covered it and protected it from the rain which would have protected the toads. Which reminds me of yet another of Jesus’ parables.

When the unclean spirits have gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none, it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. Luke 11:24-26a

Let’s take care of the jobs we have been given, and hopefully we won’t find later on that nine toads have moved into our lives.

More Scriptures:

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. James 1 22-24

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25

Life is Like Enlarging a Fish Pond, Part 6 – Adding the Fish

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parablesLeave a comment

I stared at the local weather app on my phone with disbelief, and then did a quick search for other weather resources. Surely the local forecast was wrong. I was expecting freezing temperatures soon, but snow tomorrow? My fish were still in bins! Not only are they in less than two feet of water, but they aren’t even underground. How would they survive? Well, there was only one thing to do. They had to get into the pond before nightfall.

I went outside and turned on the hose. At least we had a well so there was no concern about anything harmful in the water. But it also meant there was nothing helpful in the water either. Pond water is filled with bacteria and organisms that the fish need. It takes weeks to develop. I had hours.

And then I got an idea. The tubs were filled with fish and plants – and old pond water. What if I used that water to help fill the pond? I couldn’t think of any reason not to, so I shut off the hose and walked over to the first tub that contained fish. Carefully I netted them and did what everyone says not to do. I let them go free in the pond. Then I quickly dumped bucket after bucket of the tub water into the pond. The clear refreshing water in the pond now looked brown and murky. Disappointed that I had messed up the pond, I added the pump and filter. Maybe I could fix this.

After many hours, there was no difference in the water. What else could I do?  

After much internal debate, I decided to add more water. The new well water would mix with the old pond water and hopefully dilute it. But all it did was to make more murky water.

I wondered what would have happened if, instead of dumping buckets of old water into the new water letting them land where they would, I would have chosen a corner and slowly, carefully poured the old water into the new. There might still be some cloudiness in that area, but the rest of the pond might have remained clear.

It was late now and getting colder. Totally dejected about the whole thing, I went inside my house. My fish was safe from the snow, but at the cost of the beautiful pond water.

Our past experiences impact and control our emotions as we act on both the truths and lies they taught us. We need our past experiences just like the fish need what is in the murky water. Our experiences are what made us what we are today. But it’s wise to be aware of when and how they are impacting our day to day interactions and decisions. The question is not if our past is going to affect us, but how. Allowing the past to control our thoughts and emotions without thought or restraint is like dumping tubs of murky water into the clear pond. We can no longer see clearly. But being intentional about where and how the past is allowed to impact the present may help keep our vision clear.

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. Proverbs 15:18

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Romans 7:15

But whoever hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 1 John 2:11

They are darkened in their understanding, alienate from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to the their hardness of heart. Ephesians 4:18

Let us pray for discernment as we examine our reactions and motivations. Let us see where we have dumped something we learned in the past into the present situation causing confusion and regrettable actions. Let us seek the truth, for the truth will set us free (John 8:32)

Life is Like Enlarging a Fish Pond, Part 5 – The Lining

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parablesLeave a comment

Yay! The hole is all dug out and it’s time to lay the lining! All I have to do is unroll the lining, stretch it out over the hole, and start filling it water. Easy, right? That’s what all the videos show.

With my heart beating just a bit faster with anticipation, I began unrolling the lining. Unflopping it would be a better word. The lining was not rolled. It was folded. As I opened it up, there were multiple fold lines. Folds can be a source of weakness in a lining causing small leaks. The less folds the better. I knew that more fold lines would be created as I tried to mold it around curves in the pond, but to start out with them was a bit disappointing.

After fully unflopping the liner, my husband helped me to carry it over to the hole, which revealed problem number two: how to carry something that heavy above the twig and leaf covered ground. After many false starts, we gave up and just dragged it. Hopefully the lining was stronger than the reviews stated.

Once positioned, I carefully climbed down into the hole as water from the hose began filling it. I pushed and pulled, trying to take out as many folds and wrinkles as possible. It was impossible. But I kept at it until the water reached the lower shelves. I added some rocks to hold the liner in place.

 As I climbed out, I wondered why something that looked so easy on videos had been so hard for me. And then I remembered. In my hurry to get the fish into their new home before the coming freeze, I didn’t follow the helpful hint of letting the liner sit in the sun for a while to soften before trying to manipulate it.

At least the lining was in and the refilling had begun.

As I walked around the pond, I ran into yet another problem. The lining was supposed to cover both the dug out pond and the preformed plastic pond next to it to form one big pond. But in all the positioning, tugging, and pulling, somehow the lining twisted and it no longer covered the small pre-formed pond.

My vision was ruined. There was no going back without draining the pond again. And there was no way to maneuver the lining with the weight of the water laying on it.

After cutting a smaller lining and trying it in every direction possible to cover and link the two ponds together, I gave up. There was no way now to join the two ponds. By this point, I was ready to give up on the whole thing. I wanted to throw things at it or kick it or yell my frustration out at my husband. Instead, I went inside to shed a few tears. And to pray.

In life, how often do we try to accomplish our tasks on our own? Jesus will empower us to do the things He asks of us, but it doesn’t come automatically. We have to abide in Him.

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples. John 8:31

Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. John 15:4

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. John 15:9

How do we abide in Jesus? What does that look like? Paul gave some instructions that we can follow.

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:18-21

What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. 1 Corinthians 14:15

David is a great model for abiding in God.

Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to this excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Psalm 150:1-6

I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? Psalm 77:11-13

I will lift up my hands towards your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes. Psalm 119:48

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. Psalm 63:5-7

Let’s soak in the Son before attempting big projects in our own strength and reasoning. Certainly the One who accomplished the greatest building project of all time can help us with our own.

Life is Like Enlarging a Fish Pond, Part 4 – Digging Deeper

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After days of hard work, digging, chopping, and hauling away wheel barrels of heavy, moist clay, I had finally finished. The last step had been to remove the wall of clay between the old and the new areas.  With great anticipation I walked a few feet away and turned to look at the one great big pond I had envisioned.

But instead of the self-satisfaction I expected, all I felt was dismay.

I had thought I had dug deep enough.

I had thought my work was sufficient.

I had thought I was finally ready to line the larger pool area. But with the border removed, I could clearly see that the new section was not near as deep as the old section. I had a dilemma. Should I leave it as is or continue digging?

Immediately my mind began rationalizing.

  • It’s bigger than the fish used to have.
  • I’ve already spent days on this. My body is sore. At my age, I should be careful not to overextend myself.
  • The sooner I can get the fish out of the tubs and into the pond, the better. Especially with the surprising forecast of snow in the near future.
  • The fish can all squish into the small deeper area next winter. They will be fine.

Swirling around these justifications, like the hint of a sweet aroma, came some other thoughts.

  • The fish need a deeper place to live.
  • The depth provides protection from birds and extreme temperatures.
  • Don’t be lazy. Do what needs to be done. It’s the right thing to do.
  • Don’t accept inadequate work just because your body wants to be finished.

I had a choice to make. Keep digging or accept it for what it was and move on. The battle was between my flesh and the needs of the fish. And it was a battle. I really REALLY wanted to move on. Everything in me shouted to move on. It was just this soft voice whispering, “What about the needs of the fish?” that kept me from putting down my shovel.

Finally I made a decision. I went inside for a nap.

How many times in life do we face the same choice? Give in to our flesh or meet the need of someone else? How many times do we rationalize that what we did was enough when deep down we know we could do better, or that more was needed? How many times do we try to get by doing the least we can do? The bible has something to say about this.

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:17

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23 (or in my case, for fish.)

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

“Whatever you do” mean just what it says. Everything we do, not just what we might consider most important to us. Not just what we feel like doing. Everything. Playing with our children. Visiting an elderly neighbor. Working at our job. Giving to the needy. Quiet time with God. Going to church. Cleaning house. Helping someone who is struggling. Nurturing a friendship.

And digging deeper.

Sigh. I hear You, God.  I’ll get the shovel.

Life is Like Enlarging a Fish Pond, Part 3 – Tubs

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parablesLeave a comment

I wonder what the fish were thinking as the ground vibrated with each thump of the shovel. The serenity that they had once enjoyed in their crowded home now shattered with unexplained disruptions. Not only that, but the giant shadow that provided food had come more often but no new food ever appeared.

Did the confusion of the fish turn to apprehension as they were chased around the pond with a net in the decreasing amount of water and then deposited into small tubs?  If they were crowded before, they were now packed almost fin to fin. No more swimming laps around the pond. In this new place, they barely have room to swish their tails five times. Not only that, but they are covered by a net to keep them from jumping out and to keep them safe from birds and the neighbor’s cat.

Did they feel their world had been turned upside down?

Do we ever feel like our world has been turned upside down?

There are times we will be confined or put in a place we don’t like. It may feel like life is horrible. Cancer, losing our job, death of a loved one and the destruction of our house in a hurricane are all bad causes of forced changes. But sometimes that turmoil comes from happy events such as a wedding, birth of a child, or high school graduation. In each case, we may feel helpless, out of control, and out of place. Our peace is gone. Our familiar provision is gone. Our home is gone. So what do we do?

Do we jump out of our new circumstances and try to crawl our way back to our old familiar ones? Do we give up and just sink to the bottom in despair? Do we get angry and refuse to eat? Do we try to relieve our angst by attacking other people?

Or do we trust that the God who promised to be with us always is still in control?

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9 NIV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  Proverbs 3:5

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

Can we say along with Paul…

…for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger. Philippians 4:11b-12

Remember –

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.  Ecclesiastes 3:1

Let us trust our wise and loving Father no matter which season and circumstance we are in.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16