We can’t help it. We want to do something important, something other people think is important, something validated by general nods from society. Something for the Lord.
In reality, however, most of us won’t be called to take the gospel to a tribe of cannibals, or become a renowned teacher. And the thing is, that’s just where God would have us, because His grace is most needed where people are thirsty and need their dirty feet washed.
And it’s in those humble, daily acts of service where we become like Him. It’s the only kind of ministry, in fact, He commanded.
Can we wake up joyful because we are right where He wants us? Can we rejoice for mundane work that, when done humbly, for the glory of God, becomes elevated to honor?
Can we remember that it’s in the daily grind where the Kingdom of God is and grows?
It’s not the big moments that move our children to love Him, to love life, to grow in grace. And we can’t parent completely in “quality time.”
Just like a garden grows…ever so slowly, where the gardener is faithful and consistent.
17 comments
Great thoughts, Kelly. One thing I have found in this pattern of “we all must do something *big* for God…yet our definition of “big” means accolades from men…is that we often say this same thing to our children as well. “I just know God is going to do BIG things in your life, son.” But obedience is better than sacrifice…and many (most?) times that isn’t noticed by other humans. A “big” thing, often means being hated or mocked by others, even fellow Christians. Or being patient under trial, joyful in affliction, content in hard circumstances…? These are all big things to our Lord 🙂
Ooh, so good, Bambi! Oh my, I’ve said that to my children. It’s so ingrained in us! We have to start using the language of Scripture if we really want the right things to be the big things.
Needed this so very much this week.
amen!
Amen! Oh how I needed this reminder today! I can’t wait to hear more of what the Lord has taught you, at the Christian Heritage Conference in Redmond Wa., and to get to see you in person 🙂
YAY!!! Please introduce yourself so we can hug 😉
Thank you! We are 2 months into a 6-7 month deployment and my belly is swelling with blessing #8… The mundane seems to be wearing on me especially during this time. It’s a daily (momently) battle to keep what is BIG in my line of sight. This post is timely, and the garden comparison is perfect since I’m starting a huge garden to keep us focused (read busy) this summer, to pass the time while dad’s away. I tend to want to push fast forward to when he gets here (with a rush order since the baby is due before he is) but I must remember this is right where God has us, and these moments are BIG.
I too, look forward to seeing you (again) in a couple weeks! So excited!
YAY!!!!
Without sounding like a hippie…”Right on Kelly” ;-D The Lord Jesus has just brought me out of that thinking of wanting to be something in the eyes of the world. It was especially difficult because my husband is a scientist (Chemistry) and I struggle with thoughts about the women he works alongside (although rarely in the same lab) who are also “smart.” The devil has had a field day lately with my thoughts of being a dummy. I recently watched some of John Taylor Gatto and am greatly encouraged that everyone has the ability to succeed at whatever they put their persistence to…one step at a time. Jesus has made me the joyful mother of children in the last week or so and I LOVE being their mother…what a blessing. Some of my children are so full of character and others are so helpful and I wasn’t enjoying them all…how sad. The Lord Jesus will strengthen me to be able to be the mother he sees that I can be…the one my children need…and no nobody can take my place (thanks for the reminder Mr Gatto ;-D) Timely post; thanks Kelly. Hayley xx
Yes He will, Hayley! So good to read this.
Oh, so sweet! So encouraging! Thank-you for penning these words!
Love this one.I love ur analogy with the gardner .
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I so much want to be a foster parent as my children are almost all grown, I would consider that to be something of Great importance to me-to influence a child in a positive way! I love being a mother.
*heart*
Thank you.
Thanks Kelly. Been spending less time online but still keep coming back to your blog!
I love having you here, Shannon!