I have a hard time thinking about cooking, cleaning, laundry, dishes and grocery shopping as essential. But, if I didn’t do it, who would? Especially this time of year. Sure, my husband could come home and cook something. But he’s been thinking about work all day. It takes a lot of planning and preparation to think about dinner… that’s not from a box.
I’ve been so encouraged by For the Family’s Sake by Susan Shaeffer MaCaulley. She’s stretching me to think about how important those necessary chores are that make a home tick. She stresses routine that allows for meals and work and rest and leisure time. All part of a rythme that encourages innovation, supports hard work and creativity and gives life to those who are touched by it.
I am reminded that whatever I do, whether in what I say or in what I do, I must do it all for the Glory of God. Because, after all, THAT is why I’m here. Not to impress someone else nor live at the standard of the “modern woman” who “does it all”. No, the purpose of my life is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
And, with that purpose in mind, I must think to the small things… folding laundry, washing dishes, changing a diaper, wiping off a counter… all to the Glory of God – that he may be honored by how I do it.
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I Live in an Antbed says
So very true. It is all for His Glory. The next load of laundry, or dishes, or meal to prepare are all opportunities to glorify Him through our service.
Joy says
Yes, now if we can only remember that as we make our lists and run our errands before Christmas day! I must remember daily!
Rose says
That’s right All for his Glory! It’s easy to forget isn’t it?!
You have a beautiful daughter! Blessings as you continue to pour into her life!
Joy says
Thank you so much for the sweet encouragement! It’s amazing to see the Lord’s handywork up close and personal in a little child.
D says
That really hit home with me. Thank you for the reminder.
Joy says
D,
I’m so thankful!
J
Linda @ prone to wander says
Ah, His glory. A good reminder. I also just wrote about glory and the attraction of it. I am thankful it can be found in the mundane and in the marvelous! And humbled that we are to reflect His glory in all things.
Joy says
Linda,
“Glory” is an interesting study… and the more that I learn about God’s Glory, the more I am amazed by it.
I first came across the REALITY of it in Exodus 33, where God’s Glory passes before Moses and God shields Moses from His face and shows Moses His back. It is truly mysterious!
Beth Williams says
Joy,
Thanks for the reminder. It seems as though God is trying to tell me something today. Each of my 5 devotions and your blog all had to do with “Doing small stuff all for the Glory of God”.
Sometimes it is easy to forget that God is in the small stuff as well as the big. Nice to be reminded that he cares for us no matter what we’re doing.
Joy says
Praise Him for speaking to us through ordinary means!
If you haven’t already read it, you can be further encouraged through this by reading “Practice in the Presence of God” – letters from Brother Lawrence: http://www.practicegodspresence.com/brotherlawrence/practicegodspresence09.html
It’s sure to give you a new perspective on the practical ways to invite the Lord into your day… It’s something I need to read again!
Joy
Beth West says
Many years ago I read somewhere to be grateful for dirty dishes because this means we had food and to be grateful for dirty laundry because this means we have clothes to wear. A house in need of cleaning means we have a place to call home. Those sticky fingerprints that appear about a foot up on the walls indicates that precious little children live with us. Over the years I’ve seen several different versions of this idea and as a woman who would far rather read, paint, plan or go for a drive than do housework, this thought has blessed me tremendously. The housework is here because the blessings are here. Father, help me keep my home as a service to You and my dear family.
Joy says
Oh, I LOVE that! Thank you for the reminder to Praise the Lord in the midst of EVERYTHING!
Yes, I can grumble about this or that, but would I want to be anyplace other than in my home with my little one? Nope, not a chance.
Thanks so much for the encouragement!
Holley Gerth says
Thank you for reminding us that the little things really are the BIG ones!
Joy says
🙂
something I have to remember over and over again!
Steph says
Girl – you know I love your heart for the Lord. He is certainly be glorified in your life.