I saw this sign yesterday–it reminded me of the verses from last week, Mark 16:10-13. It seems like everywhere I turn these days–that is the message from the Lord–“be faithful in the little things.”
The sign at the store seemed to take it a step further by saying . . . while you are being faithful in the little things—ENJOY IT! Now I know that’s not actual scripture from the Bible, but here are a few verses that back up this idea.
I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime; moreover, that every person who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 (NASB)
How happy is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways! You will surely eat what your hands have worked for. You will be happy, and it will go well for you. Psalm 128 :1-2 (CSB)
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 (ESV)
While we are busy doing the “little things” the Lord gives us to accomplish, we need to remember that our “attitude” while completing these tasks should be pleasing, joyful, and focused on bringing glory to God.
So what do we do when we are not all up in our feels about doing these “little things”?
Stop and remind ourselves who we are doing these things for!
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23 (NLT)
I remember the season in my life of being a new mom–again–for 3 years in a row. Ha! Exhaustion was my middle name, and I desired sleep! When we first brought home our then-baby boy Zach, we had 3 in diapers. For a period of 3 months, we changed about 15-20ish diapers a day. Every day! We had a big ole celebration in our home the day our oldest son said, “Mama, I not need diapers anymore.” He meant it! I think he only had a total of 3 or 4 accidents and he was potty trained. About 3 days later he said, “I don’t need diapers at nighttime.” And we were in potty training Heaven. I know I digressed–and no, we did not have that happen again. We had to work a lot harder to get some of them trained, but in that season, I had to do the same kind of “little thing” over and over and over again.
I’m not going to lie—I didn’t always enjoy the process over and over.
But I did enjoy those babies. I enjoyed watching them grow, change and develop skills. I enjoyed cuddles, reading books all together on the couch, playing outside, and watching creepy crawling things from a distance.
Looking back on those busy days from the perspective I have now, I probably would have found a lot more joy in the mundane–because I now know how quickly everything changes, and really how short the days are that at the time seem so monotonous. Can anyone else say “Amen”?
So what do some of my “little things” look like in this season of my life? For starters, the Lord has me doing some more writing and preparing to speak at a few events. Of course, I’m still being a mom to almost all adult kids, a grandma to 3 adorable girlies, helping my mom and dad, and being a wife to my man. I find myself with plenty of “little things” to do.
Now may I find myself enjoying them too!
What about you? How do you feel about the “little things”?
Let’s not just “do” the little things, let’s enjoy the process also, because ultimately this will bring the most glory to God.
P.S. The sign is at JoAnn’s—it might possibly be on sale right now for $6.99–even though I resisted and didn’t buy it! Ha!