Bug Off

Bug Off

[Jesus said,] “My purpose is to give [my sheep] a rich and satisfying life.”

John 10:10

The Terminix man arrived at my house for a routine pest inspection. Let’s just say my kids were not on their best behavior that day. The bug guy kept saying, “You sure have your hands full.”

First he met Shepherd, my three-year-old with fire engine–red hair and a personality to match. Shepherd was screaming because I would not let him watch a movie. Toys were strewn everywhere as if they had exploded out of the toy box in Toy Story.

Then Mr. Terminix noticed my two-year-old, Owen, in his high chair happily eating graham crackers (yes, for breakfast—oh, well). In disbelief he said, “Whoa, didn’t even see him. You’ve got two? Boy, you sure have your hands full.”

Since Mr. Bug Hater needed to throw something away, he asked “Red” where the trash was. Recalling that the garbage can was an overflowing, stinky mess, I quickly intervened.

“Uh . . . just set it on the counter. I’ll take care of it later.”

No could do for the helpful bug man. He found the disgusting dump site. “Can I take your trash out for you?”

“Uh . . . no. I can handle it.” Thanks, buddy, for making me feel incompetent. Sorry you had to smell it once, but I’m certainly not going to make you smell it twice—much less touch it. This guy was really starting to bug me. That day I decided that bugs do not bug me nearly as much as the stinky trash or the aggravating bug man.

Actually, I am thankful for the toys strewn everywhere, the screaming children, and, yes, even the ants that are attracted to all the crumbs. There is life in my household—rich and satisfying life.

—Marla Livers

Thank you, Lord, for the sometimes-messy blessings that are evidence of life in my home and of your great blessings. Amen.