Whoever wrote, “Easy like Sunday morning,” did not have a family that attended church. Because I dare say that Sunday is the hardest day of the week when you have young kids. It was only Saturday night and I was already dreading Sunday morning. Not because I didn’t want to go to church, but because I didn’t want to get my whole house up and ready for church. Maybe you’re more sanctified than me and don’t feel that way, but over here, your girl is being honest.
I have a new baby, a three year old, and my husband had to work so I was going to be doing it by myself. Not to mention, washing and styling my hair is it’s own exploit. I realized just how spoiled I am by all my husband does when he is home.(He really does a lot.) Because without him, it’s ten times harder.
The thought of just watching online and staying in my house crossed my mind probably fifty times. But, we got up, we got ready, and we got out of the house. We pulled up to the church with four glorious minutes to spare and my mom met me at the door to help carry everything in. We did it. With only one or two toddler meltdowns and two baby outfit changes that he pooped right through. (Again, keeping it honest over here.)
Then coming home, I went to pick up groceries and my car broke down. I had to call my mom and some friends to come get me, move all the groceries I had just bought into another car, move both carseats, and have my car taken to the mechanics. Once we finally made it home, I realized the only way to get into my house was my garage opener that was now at the mechanics. So my children and I sat outside while my mom drove back to the car so we could get inside.
I’m telling you all this because by the time I got in the house, my blood pressure was bubbling and my groceries were puddling. Getting my family to and from church had been exhausting. But as I began washing pump parts for the millionth time, God said so sweetly, “Thank you. I see you.”
He saw all my efforts. All the hard work that felt unimportant and overlooked. He saw the sacrifice it took. And HE, the God of everything, thanked me. He thanked me for taking care of His creations, His children, that He entrusted me with. He thanked me for valuing the sanctity of gathering together in church. He thanked me for the offering I didn’t even realize I was giving. And this verse came to mind.
“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.” Romans 12:1(MSG)
He sees all of it. The bottle washing. The laundry that’s never done. The dishes that always fill the sink. The late night pumping sessions. The sleepless nights. The work it takes to bring your family to church. All the the things that feel so repetitive and exhausting. He not only sees it, but He values it as praise.
I had been feeling so busy I couldn’t enjoy anything, yet somehow nothing was ever done. It was like all my efforts weren’t accomplishing anything. But when we do our ordinary, mundane, repetitive tasks as unto the Lord, they become so meaningful and beautiful. My attitude went from resentful to grateful. I was so honored that I could glorify God in this way.
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Colossians 3:23(NLT)
I hear from a lot of people, especially parents, that they feel like they don’t have time to develop their relationship with God. And hey, I GET IT. I’ve been feeling that way too since my little man was born. But then, standing right there at that sink that I’ve been standing at a lot lately, God met me. We had a precious moment that impacted my perspective. He poured out revelation that encouraged me to keep going. Not just keep going, but keep going happily. He really is our joy.
You don’t have to have a silent room and an hour long prayer session to meet with the Almighty. He’ll take the dish washing, just offer it to Him as praise.
Be Blessed!
Jordan W. Smith 