This is just one section of the many leaves my sons and I raked up this past Sunday. There were more beyond the fence in the driveway, in the front yard
…basically EVERYWHERE!
I took a picture because this is what I encountered the DAY AFTER I had just gathered the same amount of leaves! Now, initially, I thought raking/sweeping leaves is an effort in futility, but I’m one of those weird person’s who loves the mundane (think washing dishes, vacuuming) because it is the perfect time for me to pray and commune with God. This was one of those times…
As I swept, and swept, and swept, God began to show me how my initial reaction to sweeping leaves the day after I had just raked and swept is much like how the Christian walk feels at times–an effort in futility. Let’s say your being a Christian who’s trying to follow God’s precepts and live a life worthy of the faith you profess represents the broom. And, let’s say the continual mocking of your faith, wickedness you encounter, and the advancement of people around you who don’t follow the Lord represents the leaves. You are seemingly the continual lone frontrunner constantly working to clean up around you that which you know needs tidying. Yes, it’s hard work. Yes, there are many more of them than there is of you. Yes, you wonder if your efforts are futile and your energy is wasted. Yes, the very thing you cleaned up yesterday may return ten-fold tomorrow….sweep anyway! Do it anyway!
Why? Because your presence, your efforts, swept away those leaves hanging around THAT day–no matter that they would return tomorrow.
Your tireless efforts cleaned up and influenced an area that, had you not been there or had you not done it, would have stayed as it was…and we all know what can grow and breed in leaves which are left. Your efforts matter.
“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
“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” 2 Cor. 2:15
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” Hebrews 6: 10-12
