Hello my friend!
What a blessing you have been to me! I hurt my back in the move, so much work to do, I couldn't slow down...until I was made to slow down. My back just called it quits, wound up in the ER in extreme pain, they gave me morphine, that made me ill (I'm sure I should be happy that I'm not addicted...lol) Then he insisted on me taking 2 wks in bed, really?? Bed?? In the middle of all I have to do??!! I gave it 2 days, should have listened, things are slowing down a little (well, with the building anyway!)
I have not wanted to talk about the following episode, had so much problems with it, I finally started talking about it, and it has gotten better, so thought perhaps if I shared with my friends, I could be well.
I believe in prayer, and Praise the Lord for His mercies. My God is faithful.
My husband had to go out of town for a coupla days, about 3 weeks ago. I stayed home with the children, have been happy and at peace here. I fell asleep, around midnight (I did a little reading..lol) I was having a lovely dream, when a snake entered my dream, then became reality. I grasped it and tossed it out of the bed, I then jumped out of the bed, landing on the floor beside the bed, I screamed and screamed and screamed. I'm fairly certain I was close to hysteria. I shook myself, grabbed a shoe, (it was the closest thing handy) and searched for this creature that had invaded not only my home, but the sanctity of my bed. I did not find it, needless to say, sleep eluded me.
The Rev. called the next day, I debated about telling him, I knew he could not come home, so in order to keep him from worry, I kept it to myself....day after day after day. Unable to sleep, I would lay down, and feel again the snake as it slithered upon me, i
t had made it all the way down to my leg!
I began jumping and screaming at the least noise, movement, or touch. The Rev. insisted I tell him, and I did. He laughed.
Don't judge him harshly, I'm certain he thought worse things had come upon us. About 2 weeks later, I saw a little garter snake by the back door, as soon as I saw the size (and width) of it, I felt certain we had discovered the snake that had invaded our home.
The parsonage has set empty for years, the last pastor had his own home, and I had worried about what have claimed it for their own habitation....and had took preventative measures, however all for naught.
Now, I stated at the beginning of this story that I believe in prayer. I have been praying, earnestly seeking the Lord for peace.
I began quoting the scripture,
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Is. 26:3
There were a host of other wonderful scriptures that I read, and quoted (I had always done so for others, this time it was me.)
Phill. 4:7, Ps 119:65, Is. 12:2....the list goes on.
They were all for naught, no sleep, nerves were frayed....not the home of peace I so cherish!
I, yes,
I was going to have to get ahold of myself. Fear, it cometh
not from God. And fear is what had taken hold on me. I did not like it.
I did not want any part of it. I
WOULD not have any part of it!
My God is faithful. Two nights ago, I laid down, didn't wrap a pillow around my head, didn't feel the creepy crawly sensations, why?
Because my God was a protector. It (the snake) could have bitten me, I am a restless sleeper, but it didn't. Even if it had, I trust in the one who is able to heal...did I not?
This was a test, one that I wanted no part of, one that I had been failing miserably at, but no less a test.
Two nights now of rest. Blessed rest. I have the children quote the scripture,
"And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety. " Job 11:18
I wanted my children to know rest, peace, and the wonderful comfort of feeling safe. This too became a scripture I quoted, but I can promise you, it took on new meaning for me. Safety.
It simply came down to, did I trust Him? Did I?
My God is faithful. Now, don't get the idea we are co-habitating with the thing....
Nay! However, we have been able to resume our life, and our sleep is returning...and I need sleep! Trust me! I have a dear Aunt who said, "I'm just not nice till I have my coffee in the morning!" Her husband nodded. Well, I'm just not nice if I don't get my sleep! My family heads would be bobbing assent if you could see them!
No coop yet here at the new parsonage, awaiting a break in the work. Began to look at the shed my husband has his things stored in, in a new light! Wouldn't he rather have a new shed? The one here is so weathered, and beginning to sag, I'm certain he would like a new one for all his precious tools & things.....
Perhaps, I still have not traded ducks for a trip though!
Y'all Come
The Parson's Wife
P.S....don't let the snakes keep you away!!
I think you have him trained well.
