Shoo Fly, Don’t Bother Me

(Thanking God through Grief)

Somehow at this time, as I was putting away the mess of clothes on my  bed I let lingered behind, a children’s nursery rhyme entered my mind, “Shoo Fly, Don’t Bother Me.” But, I was bothered. How did this happen? Why such neglect? It bothered me to see my bed of mess! For I am one who tries to put things back, so there will be no need to “put things back.”  But as I looked around, I became more bothered. Not by my loved ones who had recently passed, and are now dead. Not bothered by them, but by the mess of clothes left on my bed! Yes, I do understand my loved ones are gone, safe and secure in our Savior’s arm, never to be bothered by anything nor anyone. “So why am I bothered to the point of neglect?” I said. Sometimes can’t find a clear space to lay my head.

As I began, on my bed to look down, I thought I saw a fly, flying around. This also bothered me, and made me frown. I had to shout, “Shoo Fly, Don’t Bother Me; Shoo Fly, Don’t Bother Me! I belong to Somebody.”

Lifting my spiritual and physical eyes, I began to thanked God for His goodness, and for sharing my loved one’s lives. I realized the more I thanked God, the less bothered I felt. I remembered–Jesus wept. Now, who would’ve thought (to me) God would bless, from my bed of mess?

When I continued to lift to God my eyes, I was glad to say, “thank you, Lord, for keeping me another day; not to be overwhelmed what comes, what may. I will give You the glory and praise. For I am confident, You make no mistakes. You will get us through this time, no matter what it takes.” This I say, through at times I weep, “thank you for your strength, day by day, and week by week.”

I thank God, as we join together and say: Shoo Fly, Don’t Bother Me; SHOO FLY, DONT BOTHER ME! We are members of God’s Family.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10).

In God, I will Keep on thanking. By Hertistine Washington