Enjoying a Dirty Manger

From the time I get home from work to the time the children go to bed, our house is a constant ball of motion. From loud and boisterous greetings of Dad’s homecoming to preparing for dinner, to eating dinner, to bedtime routines, to reading, to tucking in, the pace can give a healthy person whiplash. Then, as we settle into the night, we realize just how many toys, crafts, and socks have not been put away. (What is it with socks, anyway?)

Just the other night, I was commenting to Gina about the children’s mess when she quoted me Proverbs 14:4.

Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.

I have to admit, I did not at first see the relevance. However, resting in my confidence in Gina’s spiritual acumen, I thought a bit harder.

Oxen are messy…and stinky, too. If your goal is a clean manger, then “no oxen” is the way to go. However, if your goal is a clean manger you’ll miss all of the blessings that come with oxen.

Here is the parallel for those not yet tracking with me.

Where there are no children, the house is clean, but abundant blessings come through the gift of children.

Children are messy…and sometimes stinky, too. If your goal is a clean house, then “no children” is the way to go. However, once you’ve achieved your clean house, you will miss all of the blessings that come with children.

So, the next time you are overwhelmed with the clutter created by your little ones, or the preponderance of socks strewn about the house, remember how to interpret them. They are small signs that point to a great blessing in your home. They are little love notes from God reminding you of how He loves you and has expressed that love through the gift of the little oxen that fill your home.

And when your heart of hearts wants nothing more than a clean manger, go and kiss the oxen on the head. After that, their stinky mess won’t seem so bad.