The shovel strikes hard rocky dirt. Muscles bunch as another scoop is hoisted, and tossed aside. The earth doesn’t yield easy. I don’t yield easy. Sweat trickles; grime coats both skin and clothing. A breeze kicks up bringing the first drops of sweet cooling rain. Like a gentle washing straight from God.
My husband sits in the cramped space, controls under hand: scoop, carry, dump. Over and over. Tires both churn up and press down the earth. Again and again. I have felt both churned up and pressed down. Yet, God is in control always scooping me up, carrying me along, dumping the sin from my repentant heart. Over and over. Again and again. Grace and mercy from the Father.
Father teaches his son how to navigate a machine far bigger than his boyish frame. Patient instruction in safety and use. Back up, move forward, lift up, drop low, tilt down, level out. Then rest the scoop on the ground. Shut it down. A proud boy grasps his dad’s hand, and jumps from the machine. His dad nods approval.
I hear my Father’s voice through the loudness of the world. Daily teaching about faith, love, goodness. His patient instruction guides me step by step. My obedience receives His nod of approval. And like my son, my heart dances, and I smile big.
Peace settles across hard working shoulders. The silence broken only when rake finds rock. Work is hard, but good. The body tired marvels at the mind clear. With time’s passage, the landscape shifts smoother. Like clay in the Potter’s hand. Take me into your hands, Lord, and shape me into something beautiful.
46. good and hard work.
47. cool, refreshing rain.
48. dad snuggling with his children.
49. sons learning the value of work.
50. lessons of grace and mercy.
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Mrs. Sarah Coller says
I love this! Your yard is looking great… My favorite part is B teaching C how to use the machine…awesome! 🙂
Mrs. Sarah Coller recently posted:Chinese Style Pork and Rice & Homemaking LinkUp Weekend
Audra Marie says
I know – loved seeing the two of them. Looks like it’s leveling and sprinklers this weekend if all goes well. 🙂
Christina says
Yes, Lord make me into something beautiful for you. Beautiful post!
Christina recently posted:For Lazy Summer Days
Audra Marie says
Amen, Christina. Thanks for visiting. 🙂
Elaine Baldwin says
What a project! Glad to find you through Edie’s memes
Audra Marie says
It’s a huge project. The next part will happen this weekend if the weather holds. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Denise J. Hughes says
That does look like good hard work! I love what you said about the earth not yielding easily. Neither do I. But there is beauty that’s waiting when the work is finished. I can’t wait to see more pictures!
Denise J. Hughes recently posted:The Writer’s Library — My 10 Favorite Books on the Craft of Writing
Audra Marie says
Amen, Denise – beauty in us, and the backyard when the work is finished. 🙂
Heather says
Who knew yard work could sound so beautiful. 🙂 Love the photos, looks like y’all are workin hard. It looks great back there sop far. 🙂
Heather recently posted:Just an introduction
Audra Marie says
We could sure use our other two daughters’ help. 🙂 It’s coming along. 🙂