Migrant Worker

 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

 

This week I've been tired, discontent, and down right crabby.  When I signed on as a Christian I didn't anticipate that I would feel rejected, let down, and tired.  I want to feel rejuvenated and have a luster for life.  Prepping to "reap the harvest" is tiresome to this gal.  And, I feel more like a migrant worker than God's princess.

Being the once English major I was I went and looked up definitions of "migrant worker". A migrant worker is by definition:   "A person who moves from place to place to get work, especially a farm laborer who harvests crops seasonally".  They are described moving place to place for work.  They may move from their home country to work either legally or illegally in another.  Ok, so, I left Des Moines to go to college in Maryville, Missouri.  I left Maryville to head to KC to begin my adult life.  And, for some crazy reason eventually moved to the small town of Pleasant Hill, Missouri once Emily was old enough to start school.  I don't think 5 homes is all that much in today's world but yeah, maybe that would constitute me as a "migrant". 

Then the thought of being a "migrant worker" comes full force.  How many schools have I taught at? 5.  How many churches have I went to & was a member since childhood? 5.  I love school so how many schools since childhood have I been a student? 5.  When I create things I usually create them one at time and the most is 5 if I really like what I did.  As I started writing this I saw how the number 5 keeps repeating in my life even if I don't notice it. 

I remembered that certain numbers have a biblical meaning and that 5 is one of them. I looked it up. Here's what I found out about 5 : " The number 5 symbolizes God's grace, goodness and favor toward humans and is mentioned 318 times in Scripture. Five is the number of grace, and multiplied by itself, which is 25, is 'grace upon grace' (John 1:16). The Ten Commandments contains two sets of 5 commandments. The first five commandments are related to our treatment and relationship with God, and the last five concern our relationship with others humans".

Maybe all along God has been moving me, prepping me, and allowing his "grace, goodness, and favor" in my life even when I didn't see it.  And, now I come to that scripture this morning that made me think of myself as a worn out, tired, and crabby migrant worker.  What if I could stop all that nonsense and be what God intends me to be.  He wants me to treat others with kindness, help them when I can, lead when I'm asked, and to literally shut out all the other noise that leaves me feeling like the migrant worker.  

Ohh, if only I could just shut out the "migrant worker" and all her complaints.  I think what I  need a Norma Rae in my world to fight the injustice of life, fight for safety of my mind & soul, and lead the way.  As, I write this, I realize that I've got that in my Heavenly Father.  He calms my whines, allows me time to rest when I need it, and all the discontent that fills me up like a volcano ready to explode....he sends a tidal wave of grace to wash it out.  He's here to lead me but I need to silence the "migrant worker".

This week my challenge to myself is to allow God's grace to wash over me.  All those "migrant worker" feelings need to be flushed out of me.  How is that going to happen?  Through prayer, contrition, and thankfulness. I get loopy just thinking about it but know it has to be done, handled, and become a way of life. I have to admit this blog started off to be one that I would crab, complain, and whine.  God's grace gave me the resolve & insight to see that there is so much more to do in the world than that.  Maybe, the term "migrant worker" instead needs to be defined as : One filled with God's grace that knows it, thanks God daily for it, and asks God what can I do for your kingdom & where will you send me.  Lovin' that newbie definition & the loving insight that my Heavenly Father showed me today.  

Peace Be With You- Sherry