I walked out the back door leading to my back porch and glanced up at our light fixture. It appeared my porch light had somehow sprung a mullet. Looking closer, it was a bird’s nest unlike any nest I had ever seen. Surrounding the nest that housed three tiny eggs were cascading wisps of twigs, making my porch light look as if was all business in the front and party in the back.
I was in awe.
This was not a typical nest. This robin had some serious creativity. I’m certain she must have checked out Pinterest to get decorating ideas.
I named my feathered friend Molly, after Molly Ringwald in Pretty in Pink and her redesigning skills.
Molly took this ordinary job of nest-building and made it something fantastic.
Molly taught me two lessons that day —
First: there are times when I must do jobs that can somehow seem boring. Making the dinner, teaching the class, working in the nursery. But these are perfect opportunities for me to bring what I have to every assignment God has given me.
That dinner I’m making can be ho-hum, or I can try something awesome for the people I love. The class I’m teaching can be something I skim over the day before, or I can look for ways to make this one stand out and get the attention of the people I am entrusted to instruct. The church nursery can be a time where I keep children alive for an hour, or it can be a time when I’m all in, playing, making sure these kids know they are loved in this building.
The second lesson Molly taught me is that my nest might not look like everyone else’s – and it’s not supposed to.
When God sends an assignment my way, I often compare myself with anyone else who has ever done this job. Will it be as good? Can I measure up? Maybe I shouldn’t even try.
It’s not how Molly did it. I’m certain Molly didn’t compare her nest to those around her. She did her thing with what she had and it rocked. She used what she had and put her heart and soul into it, making it a beautiful thing.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. (Colossians 3:23)
We are supposed to do our job, and to remember we aren’t doing it to please people. We are doing it for God, and doing it with the gifts He has given us. We aren’t going to wimp out and take the easy way just to get it done. We are going to rock it.
The next assignment you have, join me in deciding now that we are not going to compare ourselves to anyone else. We are giving it our all, and giving God all the praise.
Leave a Comment
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Jen,
Absolutely loved this!! I can just see Molly happily going about her business getting her nest in order in her very own special way. She’s not comparing herself to the Jones’ nest next door, she’s just delighting in the fact that God will soon bless her with little ones and she needs to get things in order. Living our lives to an audience of One with the gifts we have been uniquely blessed with is such a more joyful experience than getting caught up in the enemy’s traps. It’s 5:29 am. and I am heeding your advice to do my best to rock this day the Lord has given me. I’m up, I’m breathing, I’ve got coffee….that’s a good start!
Blessings to you and Molly,
Bev xx
Jen Chapman says
Beautifully said ❤
Michele Morin says
I love the lessons we can learn from God’s creation — particularly the birds. These days here in the north, birds are flying overhead in their amazing v formation in total obedience to the call of God He placed in their hearts, teaching me some important lessons about this following life.
Blessings to you!
Jen Chapman says
Yes! There is so much I can learn from it all ❤
Marylucy says
I loved this post, too! Thanks for sharing!
Jen Chapman says
Thanks for stopping by!
Erin Whitmer says
Jen,
I love this: “When God sends an assignment my way, I often compare myself with anyone else who has ever done this job. Will it be as good? Can I measure up? Maybe I shouldn’t even try.”
Gosh, so many of us feel that way! We slip into the comparison trap!
I invited about 50 moms and their kids over this coming weekend to play in our sprawling backyard, and I was excited until I realized we haven’t weeded all season! And my back porch is a disaster. And our giant yellow umbrella on the back porch is broken. I was writing the list of all the things I needed to do to not look like I’ve been asleep at the wheel as a mom and property owner.
And then I remembered that my home is my own. Perfectly imperfect. And I don’t want to create an environment where women are comparing my nest to their own. So boom! I’ll read a book instead.
Thanks again for sharing!
Erin
Jen Chapman says
Perfect! And yay you for opening up your home! Praying it is a beautiful time for you all!
Beth Williams says
Jen,
Your post reminded me of the Stephen Curtis Chapman song “DO Everything”. Some lyrics include: “You wonder sometimes does it matter at all.” “Let me remind you it all matters just as long as you do everything you do to the glory of one who made you ’cause He made you.” “If you do every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face & tell the story of grace”. It’s not about what we do-rather how we do it. Doing our best each & every time to please God.
Blessings 🙂
Jen Chapman says
Yes! Great reminder! Thanks for stopping by!
Nyssa says
What a great message!! And funny! This spoke to me hardcore this morning, I think I must have needed a little change in perspective. “Keep children alive for an hour,” hahaha! Great article, Jen, thank YOU for taking the time to write something that really speaks to the hearts of the women you are ministering to!
Jen Chapman says
That means so much! Thanks Nyssa!
Allison Young says
Love this so so much! I have lived by Colossians 3:23 throughout my {short} work career. I am in ministry work and it’s amazing to me how many Christians – even in this profession – forget who we are to ultimately work for and treat their job as a way to pay the bills. God has given us gifts and we are to use them, even in the work place! This means we do our best and go the extra mile in “whatever we do.” I always tell myself, “would I do this for the Lord?” If the answer is “yes,” then I know what to do. I saw a quote once that has really stuck with me these past few years…it said: “Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.” We are made in God’s image and likeness, let’s aim to autograph our work with His excellence!
Jen Chapman says
Love that!
It really is easy to lose focus sometimes. That verse is one of my favorites!
Kathryn says
I am visual. I would love to see a photo of Molly’s BHG home.
Jen Chapman says
I wish I could figure out a way to post it! You would love it ❤
Cynthia says
I love this visual so much! (My kids call me a “weird bird lady.” I always stop to see what those beautiful creatures are doing.) Thank you for sharing a different and JOYFUL perspective on how to approach the sometimes mundane in our lives. Now I’m all fired up and inspired today to go out and rock it! Have a great day!
Jen Chapman says
Thanks for the encouraging words! ❤
Lara says
What a great post, Jen! Thanks so very much for sharing. I needed to hear it and read it. 🙂
How many times have I gotten caught in the comparison trap, looking at the way others do things rather than turning to my Heavenly Father for His guidance? Many times, I’m afraid to admit.
Today and everyday after, I’m going to use what I have for Him and His Glory. Lord, help me to rock this day for You! 🙂
In Him,
Lara
Jen Chapman says
Oh, girl! I get caught in it myself- even this very week. The struggle is real. But you are right- we are gonna rock it
Pearl Allard says
How cool is that? I couldn’t help but start singing Rockin’ Robin after I read this! What a beautiful reminder. Jen, thank you.
Jen Chapman says
Haha! Now the song is in my head, lol
Gail Noe says
Loved your post. Thank you. God by His grace is delivering me from being a doer. This morning had several errands that could have been rushed BUT intentionally decided to let God’s grace have its way. What a blessing and oh what I could have missed!!!
Jen Chapman says
Great job on doing the most important thing! So easy to let it slide- thanks for reminding us that it goes better to start the day with Him ❤
Mia says
AMEN!
Jen Chapman says
Thanks for stopping by! ❤
Rebecca L Jones says
We should all look to Jesus as we feather our nests.
Nancy Ruegg says
My husband and I will be “worshiping with the toddlers” this Sunday. I greatly appreciate your attitude of communicating with upbeat attitudes, playful spirits, and enthusiastic story readings that we love these little people, that church is a warm, fun place to be. Thank you, Jen, for your inspiration! (And thank Molly for me.)