I had my Saturday planned. I got up before everyone else and
did my morning devotions, got dressed for the day, and was in the kitchen,
deep-cleaning it (by the way, deep-cleaning the kitchen takes a few hours).
Satisfied that I had done my “family time” project, my brain was going to my
list—which was a simpler list than weekdays: practice piano (with hopes to
maybe be ready to record the last song for “Reflections of the Cross”), record
a simple piano piece, read more of my Sherman book (for research), and schedule
three blog posts. However, I was a good child. Before going upstairs (where I
forget to come down for a few hours, and the family tends to forget I’m home),
I hopped over to Mom and asked, “Is there anything I need to do before
disappearing?” She looked up from the dozen Par la Grace signs that surrounded
her and casually said, “You wouldn’t feel like making some jelly, would you? I
bought sugar for it but I won’t be able to get to that today.” (and likely not
the week following, seeing as she was busy helping Jessica prep for a huge
market the following Saturday)
via |
Flee all “good child” images. My insides turned into a
boiling, self-centered brat with, “But-I-want-to-do-my-things!” Of course, I wouldn’t show that to my mom (not like she
couldn’t see my resistance anyway). But it was still there. I think I gave her
a “maybe, I’ll see what I can shift around with my schedule” type answer. But
on the inside, I was very, extremely, completely unwilling to do jellies—because
I knew that “doing jellies” meant all afternoon was now in the kitchen (which,
I don’t mind—unless my mind is
already darting to the non-kitchen projects I want to do).
I knew better than to try to start jelly-making with that
attitude, so I went upstairs, with that “maybe” settled in my mind. A “sure,
Mom, I’d be happy to” was not on my
brain. As soon as I sat down at my desk, a text came in. I opened it casually
and read, “Is it possible that we make an idol of our time?” WHAM! My friend continued, sharing with
me her struggle of the day…she had absolutely no clue how perfect that text was
timed for me (until, of course, I
responded, “Ouch. You would send that
question just a few minutes after Mom asked me to make jelly…”). It hurt, but
it was exactly what I needed to jar my focus away from myself and into serving
others.
Now, to say that I immediately repented, skipped downstairs,
and made jellies with a smile and song would be a little far from the truth. It
still took me a few minutes to pray, adjust my attitude, and pray for grace to
be willing to serve before I emerged downstairs again.
Sure enough, about five hours of my afternoon was spent with
making strawberry jam, pear butter, apple jelly, and plum jelly. With rows of
sealed jars now on the counter, I was free to go upstairs and spend the last
two hours of my day doing my to-do list. Here is where I feel completely
undeserving of God’s goodness. Not only did everything go smoothly, but that
last song for “Reflections” was recorded and
I had time to finish the fiction book I had been working on for almost two
weeks. As my friend put it (the one who sent me the jarring text earlier): “Wow!
And you were even able to check two big things off your list today!”
Days like that do not always happen. I do not always have a
friend who sends me a timely text…I do not always feel instantly rewarded by a
productive project time crammed into two hours. But Saturday, I did.
Why do I share this? Because it hit home for me. I need the
reminder. Life isn’t all about me and my projects. It’s about serving God and
glorifying Him. Sometimes serving Him means publishing a book or arranging a
hymn…but sometimes, serving Him means to lay aside those things so that I can
be a blessing to my family in small areas that the world will never see.
What lesson has God been teaching you lately?
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily,
as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall
receive the reward of the inheritance:
for ye serve the Lord Christ.
(Colossians
3:23-24)
9 comments:
Great post, Amanda! Thanks for your continual encouragement to live a Christ centered life. Not because you always get it perfect, but because you share your struggles and victories. Love you, my friend!
Thankyou for the post today. It pays to listen to friends and to the Lord. We are much happier with the outcome, then! Blessings for giving us this lesson!
Like that text did for you, so this post has done for me. Thank you so much.
In Crist,
Kayla
@ Janell - and thanks for YOUR encouragement. <3 I'm so grateful when my struggles can help someone else in their walk with the Lord!!
@ Paula - amen, very, very true!!! You're welcome. :) I came close to not sharing it, because like I said, it's not something I've got mastered, and the DAY that I shared it, I had another decision about serving others that I faced. :) God is good to help me in those days!
@ Kayla - praise the Lord! I'm so glad it helped you!
Wow, what a fantastic reminder, Amanda! Thank you so much for sharing!! I needed to hear this :)
Wow!! Impact!!! I so much struggle with that issue too!! Thanks, Amanda!!
-Katja L.
@ Olivia and Katja - I'm so glad that it helped you! Keep on keeping on for the Lord!
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