It was actually one of my nicknames growing up, at least, in my family.

Super Duper Pooper Scooper

I was pretty proud of that nickname. It was hard work, We had cattle and hogs. I mainly cleaned up after the hogs. It wasn’t always without adventure, but most of the time, it was a solitary job. In fact, that’s what I liked most about it. As the youngest sister, I often didn’t feel as if I could keep up with my sisters or do things up to their standards. When I worked on my own, I didn’t have to worry about comparisons. I could take just about any approach I wanted, as long as I got the job done well, and I could sing or make up stories to pass the time.

Being the Super Duper Pooper Scooper was refreshing to me. I did it well, and I felt a sense of accomplishment. So what if I was also stinky? That’s easily solved with a shower.

Whatever messes you face, remember there are benefits to the mess. When you’re willing to follow God well, you’ll learn along the way. You’ll get stronger because of the hard work and struggle. You get more confident, not in what you can personally do but what God can do in and through you. You might stink at times, but He cleans you up. He’s a patient teacher, and He knows just what strength, challenge, and accountability you need. Just because someone else judges, compares or avoids you, you can rest assured you are not alone. Ever.

God doesn’t just show up in the “knee deep” situations. He’s always ready and willing to pick up the shovel and start scooping. He wants to get rid of the muck of your life. Are you ready?

For stories of family farm life in central Illinois, read Farm Days.