The Gentiles and Their Lawn Mowers

First, let me give you the Utah definition of Gentile. Here it means anyone who isn't a Mormon. This means my Catholic friend, my non-church going friend, my Baptist friend, my Lutheran friend, and all the good Presbyterians I worship with each Sunday are all Gentiles. Sometimes we stand out in a crowd; but sometimes, too, we blend right in. Some of us have been told, "You're so nice. You could be a Mormon." However, I don't believe any of us have ever heard that on a Sunday.

We're curiously identifiable on Sundays. We're the only ones watering our yards, mowing our grass, pulling our weeds, and generally being outside before 5:00 pm. Granted, our Sunday yard transgressions aren't so conspicuous in larger Utah cities, but in small towns, hoses and mowers reveal our true identity.

None of my neighbors has actually said anything to me about this because they aren't outside on Sundays. But, if they did comment I'd recall to their memory Jesus' healing on the Sabbath. It's meant for worship, rest, recreating, and healing. For some of us, the Gentiles in this land, being outside in our yards is quite refreshing and life-giving. Recreating on the Sabbath by working our lavender, rosemary, hibiscus, and fruit trees is alright. It's quite alright.