Friday, March 26, 2010

New Focus

Daily tasks.....

Seemingly mundane chores.....

Repetitive things.....

For what? Why?

For Him!

These are some revelations that God gave me a couple of weeks ago during my morning devotion time. 

Every day I do the same tasks, the same chores, the same things, and most days, I'm totally mentally and emotionally exhausted from the seemingly never ceasing, well, sameness of it all.  

A couple of weeks ago in my daily devotion book, it talked about the woman who came in during the Last Supper and anointed Jesus with the costly nard.  When the disciples saw this they asked in their hearts, "Why? Why?".......

And the answer......the answer was such an epiphany for me! Such a cathartic moment for me!

Jesus answered.....

"For Me."

My reading went on to say how Martha served many times.....but that was for Everyone.  And Simon hosted dinners, but that wasn't exclusively for Him either......

But the woman with the Box of Oil.....

Now that was just for Him!

She did it  Exclusively to minister to Him, regardless of who was there, or who was looking on, or what they were thinking in their minds!


Woah.

I'm going to be the first one to confess that I had never or have never in any morning devotion time, or nighttime devotion time for that matter, dedicated my day to Jesus, and I've never had the attitude of the woman with the Box.  I've never looked at the daily tasks as things I could do for Him.  I've never brought up my children for Him, or schooled them for Him, or vacuumed for Him.  Shocking! The daily tasks in my house were done because of duty, or to bless Daddy, or because there were guests coming.....


Today, my focus has shifted a bit.  Oh, I'm not "all the way there" yet.  But my gaze has unwittingly been sharpened.  My heart has been blessed, been diverted, from its previous course.....

For Him.

I had forgotten that I am to do everything "as unto Him" (Col 3:23-24)

My heart is grieved thinking about so many opportunities for praise missed! My heart is sad when I think of so many moments in the seemingly mundane that could have been worshipful! 

This day I'm asking God to forgive me for being unmindful of the Guest, no, The Dweller in my home, that the first thing I'll do each morning is offer my day, and all of my efforts, to Him....

For Him.

And I know, with a right heart, and the deep knowing Who I'm really teaching for, Who I'm really baking for, Who I'm really working for
  
These tasks turn to Joys!    

 

6 comments:

Rebeca said...

This reminds me of a quote I recently read and have been thinking of; so good, but not easy to practice! Instead of paraphrasing, I'll just copy it here for you:
“All of spiritual life is an effort to take off our shoes in the presence of God. When you stand at the kitchen stove, that is an altar. When you are teaching at school, that is an altar. When a mother or father gets up at 3AM to respond to a crying infant, that is an altar. When you are doing your homework, that is an altar. When you are bathing an infant, that is an altar. When you are cooking a meal for your family, that is an altar. We do not lock Jesus in Church when we leave for home; we take him with us. We leave church to celebrate ‘the liturgy after the liturgy.’ All of life can be spiritual, filled with the Spirit of God, permeated with God’s presence and glory.” Philokalia: The Bible of Orthodox Spirituality by Coniaris pg. 23

Betsy Jo said...

Good words Lady Leanne. When dishes and laundry and wiping messy backsides are done in service of The King it is a joyful journey. I felt kinda silly when I first realized that my service to Him was serving those He loves. And He loves all.(John 3:16) ♪♫♪Make me a servant,humble and meek. Lord help me lift up those who are weak. And may the prayer of my ♥ always be, Make me a servant today♪♫♪

Sarah said...

Beautiful post, Leanne. Thank you for sharing your heart so the rest of us can learn along with you.

MarshaMarshaMarsha said...

I so easily forget. I am glad He sends reminders. I am thankful for YOU!

Kathy said...

Amen. Such good thoughts. Thank you for sharing. Great to stop by your blog again!

Blessings!

Laura said...

Hope your enjoying the country. Yes, I too get busy and forget that the daily is a blessing...because it's all given by HIM! This was a great post and reminder :)