South
Upside Down Downy Jug
It’s been almost two years now since we made the big retirement move from the farm to the quiet on the hill. If you’ve already read a column or two about this, and think you’ve already heard it all—trust me, you haven’t. Those who are lagging behind, I’ll bring you up to speed in one sentence. Our son and his family moved onto the family homestead—and we moved off.
Up to the hilltop we did go and thus far, remain. When we first drove up the driveway to sneak a peek at what lie ahead, one of the more notable eye catchers was the two rubber tires stacked one on top of the other just before you reached the house. Smack dab in the middle of the tires was a metal pole—a marker, of sorts. Acting as a warning sign so as not to drive too far off the beaten path, these old tires would prevent one from doing damage to source from whence the water supply comes.
As the first snow fell, my concern grew that perhaps the snowplow might plow the pole and tires right on over. In order to prevent this, I took a large blue “Downy” plastic jug and placed it upside down upon the pole. So far, so good.
As I strolled by it today, I was reminded how temporary that upside down jug was supposed to be. I envisioned replacing it with a flag or perhaps a pot of flowers someday. At times, my mind ventured on over to more creative construction while visions of the cutest little well building marking its territory danced through my head looking all “Jim Dandy” like, whoever he was.
However, to date, that’s as far as I’ve gotten. In fact, the blue bottle is becoming quite familiar and growing accustomed to the familiar comes as a gentle reminder that perhaps—just perhaps—it might be there longer than anticipated. Truth is, it will probably continue to dangle there because as the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, why fix it?”
However, the question gnaws within, and I have to ask. Am I becoming lazy? Or am I becoming more content. Truth is, it’s perhaps a little of both, but living with things for a season or two before making changes, adds wisdom into the mix. As I like mixing things up, that might not be so bad.
Phil. 4:11 encourages from the saints who’ve gone before us. “Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content.” Reading further on, this passage offers more insight. Apparently, the church from Phillipi entered into partnership with Paul. Paul made mention that no others would and that he wasn’t as excited to receive the funding needed as much as he was excited to see the fruit of the giving which would eventually be theirs. Being content with what we have as well as content in knowing that which we give, will bear fruit is a gift. In other words, trusting that which has been entrusted to us by giving to others where and when called, is an offering which will bear much fruit. I’m not sure what all this has to do with an upside-down Downy jug, but as one thought leads to another— it always circles back to Him. May you find joy in the jugs placed in your path and by all means, take note while pondering that which is before you— as He goes before you always (Deut. 31:8). Amen.
