Saturday, October 19, 2013

Nest of Love?

Okay...so I have a wasps' nest on the side of my house. It is right next to the gate that opens my fence. Being the courageous insect fighter that I am I bought some spray that will reach up to 27ft. My plan was to spray the nest this morning after I fed my dog, Pepper. Furthermore, experts recommend, or at the least the directions on the side of the can state that you should spray the nest in the early morning hours or at sunset when the wasps are more likely to be asleep. So my plan was to spray then run in the house if a few yellow-jackets were awake and decided they wanted revenge on the wasp-slayer.

Well, guess what? I forgot the can! Didn't realize it until I was back in the house. I immediately had to reevaluate my plan. You see, once I feed Pepper and come back in the house I don't like going back outside. She has attachment issues (another story). So I just settled in my mind that I would spray the nest tomorrow morning. 

Then a thought popped in my head,"Spray them tonight right before your evening walk. I can spray from the outside of the fence instead of the inside, walk Pepper, and by the time we return any angry wasps will have fled. This way I won't get stung and I don't have angry wasps chasing my dog in the back yard." Yes, this was a better plan!

Then my light bulb went off. This is what God has been trying to tell me about being single and waiting on my future husband. 

Last night, my church had a mentoring for marriage program designed to give insight to singles on successful marriages. One of our panelists made the point, "You might have a plan for your life but trust that God has a better one. You have to be ready to receive what He has for you."

I had a good plan but God had a better one. One that is designed for my protection and safety. One that will protect both parties and not just me. You see my first plan was about me. It was selfish. My main concern was that I didn't get hurt. I never even thought about the possibility of the wasps getting after my dog. It was all about me. Well honestly, I am now responsible for more than just myself. I have to protect both myself and Pepper from the sting of the nest. God in His Divine way designs partners for our lives where we can flourish and not flounder! So when the First Lady of my church says, you might be ready but God may be working on Him maybe she means that God is refining both of us to make us stronger. So that we are both ready for the challenges that a life-long relationship can bring. Let's  face it, forever is a long time. And, I'm sure there will  many bumps, bruises, and stings along the way.  God wants us both to be healthy, prepared individuals and it is His job to make sure we are both ready. Seems simple enough, right? However, most the mantra of most single women is, "I'm ready! When is God going to send him?" Answer: When you are both ready because it's about what's best for both people! 

When the panelist initially made her point, I understood it. At least I thought so. But, God knew my comprehension was theoretical and not practical. Singleness is protection from the pain of harmful relationships. Singleness is an opportunity to prepare for God's purpose for your life! 

The threat of the physical harm of a wasp's sting made things so clear. It was...well practical and not theoretical. My safety and the protection of my dog were my top priority. Shouldn't my emotional and romantic protection be just as important? It is to God. 

I had a good chuckle at my own expense. He used a wasps' nest to remind me that He has my best interest at heart! My only job is to follow his plan, keep moving, and then wait for the fulfillment of His promises. All I can do is praise Him! 

Hope this blesses someone today. :=}