God uses us where we are.
I believe this for others. The ways they look after their partners and their families. The impact they make in their work and community. Gosh, I think, God is really using you. Then I look at myself. And I’m not so sure.
Today, I did not start my own business. I didn’t redecorate the front room. I didn’t save a life or give blood. I didn’t close a deal.
I didn’t bring aid to refugees. I didn’t talk down a kidnapper. I didn’t fly a plane to safety. I didn’t broker world peace.
I didn’t write a number one song. I didn’t run a marathon or learn a new language. I didn’t bake my own bread or rescue a puppy.
I didn’t think outside the box or start a revolution. I didn’t drive a hard deal. I didn’t solve a murder or a crossword. I didn’t dance barefoot in the rain.
I didn’t ride a roller coaster and I didn’t fly a kite. I didn’t swim with dolphins and I didn’t set up a charity. I didn’t win the lottery and I didn’t save the planet.
Today,
I pureed some baby food.
I bought potatoes and some milk. I matched two pairs of socks.
I made a phone call and was put on hold for 30 minutes. I posted a letter.
I fed the cats and I took out the rubbish.
I shot up a jumbled prayer.
I wiped the kitchen table and I watched as the dust resettled.
I look at what I’ve done today and I hang my head in shame. I compare myself to others and I hate what I see.
But this is not the truth. God uses you – and me – where we are.
He uses us in the nursery or the sick-room. He uses us on the bus and in the dole queue. He uses us in our singleness and He uses us in our marriage. He uses us in our weakness and He uses us in our mess.
Look again at what He is doing in you.
Today
I kept another human being alive.
I nourished the people and creatures that God has given me.
I cared for and subdued my little part of the universe.
I spoke to the living God.
Today God has used me. And today, He’s using you. It might not look impressive to the world. But in His eyes, every sock counts.
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. (Philippians 2:13).
Image source.
Colossians 3:17 – ‘And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him’ – I think of that one a LOT when I’m angrily bashing the washing up around the sink or seething at my son for leaving his pants on the floor.
Glad I’m not the only one huffing into the pots…and that verse is a beaut.
We have recently done a series of studies called Fruitfulness on the Frontline (LICC) and it was really useful in teaching us that we can all make a difference even in the small things we do and wherever our frontline is.
Oh lol Emma – are you sure you Really want to compare? ;-) If it helps, sure – quite certain my list makes you look sufficiently revolutionary/marathon-like already.
Today,
Emma pureed some baby food (care for someone else) – I hurriedly scoffed down a slice of toast so I wouldn’t leave the house late.
Emma bought potatoes and some milk (groceries). I bought a cup of frozen yoghurt (snack-food, just before dinner- what am I doing spoiling my own dinner !?) Emma matched two pairs of socks. I don’t even get any socks, because what if I can’t find any matching ones? & yet I refuse to wear unmatched ones – so I wear Havaianas instead.
Emma made a phone call and was put on hold for 30 minutes. I hesitated to answer the office phone, secretly hoping someone else would pick it up. Emma posted a letter. I coped with my psych appt in writing, because it was too tiring to talk.
Emma fed the cats and took out the rubbish. I haven’t fed the parrot (let’s hope the parents did earlier today) & mom is not going to make me take out the trash cos I’m too tired from an exhausting week of children .. & then an emotionally draining psych appt.
Emma shot up a jumbled prayer. I panicked instead of prayed.
Emma wiped the kitchen table and watched as the dust resettled .. while I came home & have no table to wipe because it isn’t even dirty, cos I’m so tired, dinner doesn’t even quite appeal to me now.
Haha there do you feel better now? ;-)
I’m fine though, really – just super duper extra tired after a week of extra tiring-ness.
Thankful for weekends!
I LOVE YOU EMMA
YOU ARE SUCH AN INSPIRATION YES GOD IS REALLY USING YOU
Emma – you forgot to mention writing your blog! Very definitely a God-honouring and useful activity that blesses far beyond your realisation… Thanks for another thought provoking piece. C x
thanks Di – sounds like a great resource
Hope you can rest up this weekend Dee.
Thanks Martinetto and Christa – you’re both very kind.
Wow Emma! This is the first blog of yours I’ve read. I can’t wait to read more… Praise God for you and the work He is doing in and through you.
You can never write about things like this too much. I know I need to hear this over and over. Your post reminds me of my favorite passage from Nancy Wilson’s book, The Fruit of Her Hands:
“One night as I was washing the dishes… my mind wandered off in that direction. Shouldn’t I be leading Bible studies? Shouldn’t I be more involved in active evangelism? Couldn’t I ‘disciple’ someone? Didn’t God want me to do something for Him?
“Immediately I realized what He wanted me to do. He wanted me to do the DISHES. But I still wondered if there was something ELSE He would want me to do. And I realized that yes, there was something else. He would want me to do them CHEERFULLY.
“As I reflected on this, I realized what I had known all along. God had called me to be a wife, mother, and homemaker. Because of this, all the mundane things I did were sanctified, holy, purposeful, and honoring to God, and I should offer them all to Him… (Rom. 12:1). Not only that, I should find contentment and satisfaction in knowing I was doing these things unto the Lord.”
Suzanne, this is brilliant! Thank you!
Thanks for reading Aimee
Emma, thanks for this post. I’m like Dee – overcome with tiredness to do much and grateful for your sensible analysis.
Yes !