A Time to Rebuild
Yesterday brought much needed rain to our area as the dry summer comes to a close. One thing that fascinates me after a heavy rain like this is that before long, the anthills begin to reappear in our yard. Devastated by the rains, you can imagine what it would be like to be an ant when an inch or two of rain comes rushing into your established settlement, essentially bringing rubble right down on your head!
Do these ants call the insurance company, cry to their neighbors, whine all day about what in the world they are going to do? Doubtful.
The Lord instilled in them an amazing work ethic that He highlights in the book of Proverbs (chapter 6) as well as a sense of community that we often refer to as an army.
In this passage of Proverbs 6:6-11, my Bible has the heading, “The Folly Of Indolence,” which basically says, when you work, this is what happens, and when you are lazy, the opposite occurs. Everyone gets their reward, whether they are industrious, or choose laziness.
“Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in harvest
How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep—So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.”
So, that is why, right after the rains, I begin to see the evidence of the ants popping up all over the yard. They have picked themselves up, gotten busy and moved on with rebuilding their lives. Laziness was not an option for them. They understand that if they don’t do the work, improvement won’t come and things will not get better.
Tragedy will come in this life. It’s not if, but when.
We must choose to pick ourselves up like the ants, dig in, rebuild the house and emerge stronger than ever!
Now, if only I could win the battle in my kitchen, where they are unwelcome guests at the moment!