Where is God in the yard work?

Sometimes on a mission trip, we do things for others that we also do for ourselves at home - like major yard work.  In fact, that was much of what we did this past week in Alabama.  In order to get down to the rubble, sometimes the rubble must be uncovered from the trees, limbs, branches, debris, which have fallen and settled on top.  Raking, dragging branches, using chain saws, were regular occurrences each day.  It's interesting how we willingly enter into this kind of work away from home, but when it's our own back yard, the work gets put off with disdain.  It's just yard work after all.  


During debrief one evening, the group had a discussion about this.  Perhaps we thought we'd be doing much 'greater' work than this.... (and we did do 'other' work one day, where we found personal items on a home site, broke up a concrete slab thanx to the young backs in the group, moved mountains practically).  But the discussion turned to, how does your faith connect you with simply removing debris?  Where is God in the yard work?


I was humbled by the responses given by the group.  "For me", one person said, "it's about obedience.  I had an idea of what I thought we'd be doing, and God showed me this week that it's really not about me.  It's about doing what needs to be done, whatever that is.  It's about being completely present in that moment.  I have to be obedient to that."  Another mission tripper said, "It's about service that we do in the name of Christ."  My reaction to both of those answers is, absolutely.


Because whether we're called to use chain saws, rake, drag, or just be present with a home owner and listen to his story, that he needs to tell someone over and over again, whatever it is that day, at that moment, that is what we are called to do and be.  And that is where we will find God.  For me, God was in the yard work. 


1 Peter 4 says....."...maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.....whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ."......Yes, God....is even glorified......in the yard work.
fergie+