It was Sunday morning and I was sitting at the dining room table.  We had just finished breakfast and I was trying to work up the courage to say it.  Finally, I knew I could wait no longer.  "Lets go outside and weed our flower beds and trim the bushes."  The words came out of my mouth, but they lacked the conviction of someone who was looking forward to the task at hand.

    Laurella, Joshua, and I put on our work clothes, gloves, and shoes before we headed out into the yard.  Laurella pulled out a pair of manual hand clippers she had purchased for this job and handed them to me, gesturing toward a large bush in the corner.  Sizing up my opponent, I quickly decided I was going to need to be armed with more than simply gloves and hand clippers.

    Excusing myself, I walked over to the work bench and picked up my trusty new chain saw.  "Watch out bush, here I come."  After oiling the chain, I revved up the motor and launched a vicious attack against my opponent.  The large bush was no match for me now, and soon limbs were scattered across the ground.

    After more than an hour's worth of cutting, trimming, weeding, raking, and burning, our job was complete.  I stood back and surveyed the da....I mean my handiwork.  The once overgrown bush was now only half its size but looked much more manageable.

    I couldn't help but enjoy the satisfaction that comes with a job well done.  My back was sore, my hands were dirty, and Joshua was covered in mud.  What a great day.

    I am reminded of the command that God gave to Adam and Eve.  They were to subdue the earth.  I'm sure God didn't have a chain saw in mind when He gave them this command.  Imagine what life will be like when subduing the earth won't include weed pulling, leaf raking, and grass mowing.  I can't wait to work in my heavenly garden!