In the Tedious Tasks

“I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do.” // John 17:4

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. If I had not been so physically and emotionally exhausted, I would have laughed because this scene was straight out of a sitcom. My preschooler was crying hysterically, the baby in my arms just had an explosive diaper that leaked on me, and topping it off, the sick toddler on my lap then threw up on me.

As I dragged my children to the bathtub, I glanced over at the computer where I was supposed to be writing a post about building the Kingdom of God. Covered in bodily fluids, I felt defeated and mused, So is this my life now? Gently, God spoke to my heart and answered, For now, yes.

Fast forward a decade or so, and now I’m juggling life with preteens and teenagers in between caring for my aging mother-in-law and running the household. There are moments when I’m exhausted and muse, So is this my life now? Gently, God speaks to my heart and answers, For now, yes.

There were times in my life when I was active in outward ministry. It was tangible. I could see the fruit of my labor. However, many seasons are filled with commonplace, unglamorous work, whether it's caring for babies and elderly parents, or keeping the peace at school or work.

In those seemingly tedious tasks, God forms our hearts. He weeds out our pride and challenges us to live in charity and generosity. In turn, we can serve Jesus through the people in our lives.

What tedious or thankless job must you do in your life? The next time you do it, offer it to God. Pray for the people you are serving. God is pleased when we give Him all the little things and do them with love to bring Him greater glory. What can you offer to God today so that you too can say, “I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do” (John 17:4)?