Finding Joy in the Gutter

Join me for a little gutter talk for a second. The discussion went something like this:

“Does anyone know how tall they’re gonna let the weeds get in the gutter?”

“Those aren’t weeds! I think it looks like sea grass. When I get stressed I look out there and pretend I’m at the beach and it makes me happy!”

“Remember when there was a tree growing in the gutter?!! I’m telling y’all, if there’s a tree in the gutter at Christmas, I’m going to climb up there and string lights on it. If we’re gonna have things growing in the gutter, they may as well look pretty!”

We shared a few giggles, but it really got me thinking. Along with the regular definition of the word “gutter: a trough along the eaves to catch and carry off rainwater” Merriam-Webster also states gutter can mean “the lowest or most vulgar level or condition of human life.” Though I’m sure you can picture examples of both definitions in your mind, let’s focus on that second definition for a minute.

Have there been seasons in your life that were particularly hard? Maybe you feel like your life is in the gutter right now. It’s so easy to get bogged down by the heaviness of life. Don’t get discouraged, friend. Your Father in Heaven knows your heart and He knows your needs. He’s not going to leave you alone in the gutter. Look around and find God’s hand in your circumstance; I guarantee He’s right there with you.

If you’re struggling to find joy in the journey, ask a friend to help you. Maybe the weeds you see just need to be lit up a little. It’s not every day you get into a heavy discussion about gutters at work, but when you do, I hope it’s with friends who see the value in making the gutters beautiful!