(NIV translation puts it this way:)
Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest. ~Proverbs 14:4
Makes sense. But sometimes you just gotta love the King James which puts it a little better (at least for the mother who struggles with keeping up with housework and seven kids underfoot):
Heck yes. I get it.
(Key word: "Clean" the Hebrew actually meaning "pure, clear, and empty".
Are you like me? Are you constantly trying to "purify" that slimy sink, "clear" the toy strewn floors and colored paper cuttings covering your dining table, "emptying" the always full garbage, diaper pail, lint filter, etc.... and it all just keeps coming because your stables are still full of the hungry, clumsy, busy, pooping little growing oxen that "make it" faster than you can "take it"?
Our little ones will grow strong, and like the great ox, someday bring much "increase" to the Kingdom of God. In the meantime, the cribs will neither be empty, nor clean.Look ahead to that!
Keep shoveling, make your "arms strong", but don't break your back. The house will be empty and clean someday.
And the harvest will be great! 
photo courtesy of www.worldofstock.com
9 comments:
This is the best blog I've read today! Soooo good. You have a gift for interpretation.
The oxen grow up way too fast. In the meantime, just follow along and add "Pooper Scooper" to your many titles. I love this job!
"Cooking and cleaning
can wait til tomorrow.
For babies grow up,
I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs,
and dust go to sleep -
I'm rocking my baby...
and babies don't keep!"
Thank you Liz! What a great reminder.... part of me always wants it not clean, but I know some day it will be.. thanks for the reminder to make our arms strong, even though we may not see it fully clean soon, it will likely be too soon.
"All work and no play, make Christa a dull mom"
I have to catch myself again and again and make myself remember that there are more important things than getting that laundry done... they are getting the laundry done with my girls together enjoying each other.
I have yet to successfully make this a habit. Thanks for putting it at the forfront of my mind again.
Ha ha so i JUST NOW sat down after crying a bit cause i feel fat and the dress I was going to wear to the wedding doesn't fit, and Hope has been fussin' all day so I'm wearing scroungy pj's all drenched in milk and baby pee from airing her poor yeasty buns ... and how about that she's just a clumsy hungry little ox!!! :) :) :)
What a great blog! I popped over from your pioneer woman post, just because your title piqued my interest. I ended up reading several posts, giggling, and even getting teary-eyed over the picture of your daughter crying over her new cousin. You are very insightful and have a great view of our God and this world we live in. ~ Sarah, mama to 3 boys in Alaska
Hi Liz! I found your blog through your comment on Pioneer Woman's and am loving it. Your pictures and words are such an encouragement. I will be bookmarking your blog and coming back often.
You have such a beautiful family and I am inspired by how close knit your family is.
I wasn't sure if I answered your comment on my blog, if you would see it, so I'm back. = )
The link for your blog was on www.thepioneerwoman.com
Thanks for your nice comments on my blog. And not to freak you out or anything, but we're both from the same area. I recognize the zoo. = ) Aren't you so glad the sun is finally peeking out today? It's about time!
I too found your blog on Pioneer Woman and am really enjoying it!!
I am here in the NW up on Whidbey Island. So, I know the places you mention. I have been to Lake Chelan and our baby #3 was "made in Leavenworth". The Enzian is a nice place! We have four kidos!
Thank-you for sharing!!
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