Are there days when you feel like the mythical Sisyphus, pushing a rock uphill, only to have it roll back down every time? Motherhood can be like that- you put away the toys only to see them all pulled out again, spend three times as long cooking a meal as it takes for kids to eat it (or refuse to eat it, in some cases) or fold a load of laundry only to discover baskets overflowing with dirty clothes? Yes, the daily chores of mothering can sometimes feel repetitive and unrewarding. On those days, it's helpful to get a little perspective about the importance of these tasks.
from "No Mundane Tasks," part of a 31-day series on Revive Our Hearts (a radio program for women), hosted by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. To read the entire transcript or to listen to the broadcast go here.
Remember... as you’re cleaning - as you’re ironing, sewing, picking up, as you’re painting, as you’re beautifying your home, as you’re doing things to make your home attractive, remember that you’re painting a picture for your children—a picture of God. You’re demonstrating to your children in ways that penetrate deep into their hearts, the heart of God, the ways of God, and you’re increasing the likelihood that your children will grow up to love that God and to want to be like Him. You’re demonstrating parables of spiritual life to your children as you work with your hands, as you serve in your home.
... when you prepare food for your family, you’re demonstrating to them that God is a faithful provider.
... when you’re being quality conscious in the things that you purchase, you’re showing your children the excellence of the character of God.
... as you are orderly, you are teaching your children that God is a God of order.
... when you clean things up in your home, when you keep a clean home, you’re showing your children the importance of purity, holiness of heart, of being clean and washed before God.
... when you’re disciplined in your life and habits and schedule and the time you get up and the time you go to bed according to the way that God has directed your family, you’re teaching your children that the Christian life requires discipline. You are teaching them that you can’t just stay in bed and become spiritual. It requires effort and cooperation with God’s Spirit to develop godly habits, patterns, and sanctification in our lives.
... when you reach out your hands…to the poor and the needy and you’re ministering to the needs of others, you’re showing your children the heart of God for those who are poor and needy and oppressed.
There is indeed NO mundane task! Every task assigned to you is spiritual and paints a picture of God to your children.
This post reminds me of my favorite quote from Billy Grahm: "When we see our work as something God gave us, even the routine tasks take on significance."
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