In 1996, retirement and a job situation entailed a move seventeen miles from the church I had been attending for several years. I did not want to change churches but I knew I couldn’t keep up the activities I was doing there—office work, prayer, three services a week, children’s ministry. So I decided I would teach an adult class on Sunday mornings; I could do that with one trip a week. I got approval from the pastor and set about to do my thing.
After my plans, I got in my car, headed south toward home, and the Lord said to me, “You’re pulling pigweeds.” And in my memory I saw myself at six years old with a very loose tooth. At the table one evening, daddy noticed that loose tooth; he pointed it out to momma. I slipped off my chair and went out behind the barn and began pulling pigweeds as hard as I could. I guess I thought daddy would not make me come in to get that tooth pulled when I was helping him out like that.
And I knew that God was right, I was pulling pigweeds—trying so hard to be busy with a job for him, I would not have to change churches. You know he didn’t tell me I couldn’t stay there and pull pigweeds if I wanted to, but I knew I was not going to be satisfied with my hard work if I wasn’t willing to move to where he wanted me to go. So I left, changed churches and found myself head over heels in love with my new church situation. Now how did God remember about my pulling pigweeds when I was six! He obviously is not bound by such a thing as time. Amazing, isn’t it?
Sweet aroma 
I know people who still drive more than twenty miles each way for church, including various activities as well as services. I wonder if they know that they’re pulling pigweeds? J.
I’m sure many drive a long way for ministry on assignment from God. I stated at the first that I was making my own reason for staying; God didn’t give me the assignment. And as I said, he didn’t tell me I couldn’t do what I planned. But I’m so glad he didn’t leave me floundering in a place he had not prepared for me. What I went to was so rewarding. I’ll write about it sometime. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Pulling pigweeds!!! What a great quote!! I’ve got to remember that one. It makes me think of that scripture where He says that it’s not sacrifices of bulls and goat, but of a sincere and contrite heart that really pleases Him. Just think what your “new” church would have missed out on!
Yes, as I said to Salvageable above, what I went into was so satisfying. I will continue that story sometime, maybe even next. Thanks for response. I appreciate it.
Through necessity we travelled more than 30miles to our local church for 30 years. But, when the distance became too much we now worship in our own home. Scriptures, Presence, sharing of bread and wine – the most incredible time of our life but yes each month we also travel to ‘connect’ with God’s People in ‘whatever’ church they may be meeting. He did not say ‘you’re pulling pigweeds but he did say………’Worship me ……wherever you may be’. Love your blog. Love the story. God Bless!
Thanks for your response, Faye. I really don’t know of anyone else who is pulling pigweeds. That is for them and God to decide. I do know that I was trying really hard to get out of doing what I knew I should do. Move on with my family and find other ministry for God. I did that. Think I might write about my new assignment, the one he planned for me!
Wow, what a beautiful story, Oneta!
I have been a strong believer of God and follow Him through our religious rituals. Recently, I had an experience that made my belief in Him all the more strong, I actually had a similar question, “How did He know?”
Of course He knows….! 🙂
Rashmi, I’d love to hear your story when you get so you can tell it. I believe it is important to keep some things just between you and the Lord, so don’t rush it. He is a treasure to share secrets with. And as he is your treasure, you are his treasure also. 😀 😀
Thank you so much, Oneta! That is a really sweet thing you just said 🙂
😀
Well, I reckon God has a whole arsenal of teaching tools when it comes to you, Oneta! 😉
Calen, he has used a bundle on me. I hope it is because everyone racks up a lot in 82 years. In truth, he sometimes “knocks my socks off” with his ability to put me in my place in about ten words or less. I’ve got more to tell. I want to stay so close to his side that I can be directed by his words, and stay tuned to his Holy words from the Bible as well. . Discipline gets so much harder when one is pulling away from him. Did you ever notice how hard it is to spank a child who is clinging to you? That’s where I want to be.
I haven’t laughed so in quite a while, as when I read, “Did you ever notice how hard it is to spank a child who is clinging to you?” There’s a whole lot of truth in that — and room to ponder why the clinging is taking place.
Linda, I don’t know where this thought first came from. Sounds like something I would have heard in a sermon from my grandfather or my father-in-law. Isn’t there a Norman Rockwell painting of a child being spanked while turned upside over on a knee That wouldn’t get much leverage! And why the clinging – I think I’ve discovered on my own that is a neat place to be. Easier to just get a pat on the head.