A long post about G-d and cockroaches
[ Posted by Rebecca Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:30:42 GMT ]
G-d recently blessed Becky and me with a beautiful, affordable duplex that is in the right location, has the right amenities, and has a good landlord.
We are excited and love it.
However, the past two days there has been one drawback (a fixable one) of a nature that I abhor.
Cockroaches.
Call them water bugs, call them Periplaneta americana Linnaeus. Call them whatever you want. They are big, ugly, and disgusting. I hate them more than any other creature.
They really like my bathroom.
This doesn’t work.
I don’t know if it’s because my bathroom is on an outside wall or if it is because the duplex has shifted and there is now an access point to my bathroom that fits roaches, or if it is because the funky 80s wallpaper is peeling a bit, but I had one in there the second night and two in there last night. That’s three too many, if you ask me.
So we’re going to talk to the landlord and I’m sure he’ll take care of it.
I was thinking about it last night, and I was wondering why the Sovereign G-d couldn’t just keep them from coming into the house. I mean, He created them to clean up the earth, right? They serve a purpose and that’s fine. But I clean my bathroom. I don’t need roaches to do it. So why can’t He just keep them out of the house for us? Is there some great lesson that He wants to teach me or Becky that involves good old American cockroaches?
Apparently there is.
As I was dozing on the bus this morning, visualizing cockroaches crawling around in a white vast space (I really, really hate them) with their clingy legs, their long antennae waving and the sound they make when the brush against things (shudder), a song came on my ipod and the lyrics caught my attention.
“Arms of Love” by Kutless
I sing a simple song of love
To my Savior, to my Jesus.
I’m grateful for the things You’ve done,
My loving Savior, my precious Jesus.
My heart is glad that You’ve called me Your own.
There’s no place I’d rather be than
In Your arms of love,
In Your arms of love.
Holding me still, holding me near,
In Your arms of love.
Somehow, the Holy Spirit made a connection in my brain between me whining to G-d about cockroaches and being thankful for all He has done for me.
Sent His son to be beaten, flogged, humiliated, tortured, and brutally murdered so that I could live forever in fellowship with G-d.
Reached down into the depths of my own personal hell (severe depression) and pulled me out, setting me on solid ground in broad daylight where I had a chance of actually getting through the day without killing myself.
Changed my heart and taught me how to forgive, how to move on, how to love Him, myself and others. Taught me that His love for me defines my worth and value, and that the world can go fly a kite.
Placed me within a community of believers who have and continue to support me, encourage me, love me, and teach me. Gave me spiritual parents, brothers and sisters. I am not alone, and I am not lonely.
Brought a wonderful man into my life who has taught me and helped me grow just by being his wonderful self. I’ve learned more from him that I have from anyone else. Thanks for being who G-d made you to be, Dom.
Gave me the ability and opportunity to make wealth so that I would have money to secure housing, food, clothing, etc.
Gave me two of the best girlfriends anyone could ask for. Ladies, you know who you are, and whether you believe or not, I believe you are both divine gifts. You’d have to know where I was before I met you to understand, I think.
Showed me what is in my heart, what my desires are, what my gifts and talents are, and what direction I should go in.
So what’s the lesson?
Heh.
I’m arrogant, selfish, demanding, forgetful, ungrateful, and conceited.
Ok, G-d. I’m getting used the fact that You teach me things by whatever means necessary because You love me, you have a plan for my life, and You know what I am capable of becoming by your grace, mercy and power. You got my attention.
Today, I will be thankful for everything You’ve done, and I’ll be thankful that You hold me and guide every step I make because You love me unconditionally.
Because when it comes down to it, I’d much rather choose being in a right relationship with You than a home that is pest free. Do what You will, Lord, just don’t stop teaching me these lessons. They are more valuable than anything this world could offer me.
