I had a few days off around Easter and it felt good to get some extra rest. Teaching requires a certain kind of energy that needs to be replenished. Taking a break from the classroom helps to refocus and rekindle that needed energy. It’s nice to think of something besides grades and curriculum, but it is also good to be back at work so I don’t spend all my money at Lowe’s.

            I made several trips to Lowe’s while I was off to get supplies so I could get some work done around the house. We made a wish list of all the things we wanted to get done while I was off. I thought the list was quite lengthy and would be impossible to accomplish. I also knew without some type of list we could putter the whole week away and not get anything accomplished. The list helped to guide us.

            Many of the items on the list were things we wanted to do outside. I love being outside, especially if the weather is nice. I am not sure how many wheelbarrows full of weeds and shrub trimmings I took out into the woods. We got some things fixed up that were on our minds for quite a while. Don’t misunderstand, there is still plenty more that needs to be done, but I feel good about how much we did accomplish.

            One of the flowerbeds was being overrun by Liriope. It was running and virtually taking over the bed. Some of it came out easily, but some of it had gotten itself all wound up around the roots of a tree. It was making me want to use words that I shouldn’t as a Christian. It felt like it was winning, but don’t worry, I think I won. I am concerned that I will see some little green sprouts in a few weeks.

            I am not sure whether it was when I was pulling out the weeds or putting down the pine needles, but I got into some poison ivy. I get poison ivy easily, it can be over in the woods waving at me and I’ll get it. Actually, I have been pretty lucky avoiding it, especially since I like to walk in the woods.

            Spring is such a wonderful time of year. We both enjoy working out in the yard. We enjoy watching the flowers and vegetables grow. We both enjoy sitting on the porch surrounded by the beauty. We seem to especially enjoy spring as everything comes back to life.

            I enjoyed the extra sleep, but I also enjoyed all the hard physical work in the yard. That kind of tired is different. I think because I can look around and see what we accomplished; it gives me a good feeling inside.

I think in the same way I enjoy growing and feeding my spirit. I love reading the Bible. I love seeing how God can take ordinary, flawed people and do extraordinary things through them. I like knowing that I don’t have to be perfect for God to use me. I like the stories and how they bring the Word of God to life. Tomorrow I am going to read the story of Cornelius, who invites Peter to his home after being told by an angel to invite him over. It’s one of my favorite stories for the many lessons it teaches about God and His infinite love…and I can’t wait until morning to read it again.

            I also enjoy praying and talking with God. We all pray about things like family and friends who need a touch from God. Praying for the lost and asking God to send a revival has been a part of my prayers for years. I also believe that God talks with us. Sadly, many believe God is too busy or disconnected from us. God sent His Son for the expressed purpose of reconciling us so He could be in a relationship with us. This relationship includes a two-way conversation. God is talking; we have to learn to listen.

            I want to encourage you to do the two things that will grow you spiritually: read the Bible and spend time with God. I sit quietly outside and talk with Him and invite Him into my car as I drive to and from work. Listen for His voice in your spirit. I find He likes to talk late at night. When you read and listen and then do what He tells you, you will discover that you are growing stronger. Growing spiritual muscles is like growing a garden…it requires hard work, but it is so rewarding.

Contact Doug at doug@dougcreamer.com