Tuesday, April 03, 2007

All things for Him



This article is my submission to the blog challenge sponsored by Art Bookbindery, "Empowering Writers to Self Publish."

"For in Him we live and move and have our being ..."

Acts 17:28

My daughter nuzzles my face with hers as I stretch and yawn. That morning hour when we snuggle together is precious to me. I am reluctant to get up and start my day, but I shuffle downstairs.

The plates I take out of the dishwasher clink together as I carefully stack them on the shelf. I sigh as I pull out a fork that still has some of last night's dinner stuck to its prongs. I tidy my kitchen.

I look into the freezer and pull out some frozen pork loin, putting it into the sink to thaw. I plan my dinner.

The phone rings. I smile as I see my husband's cell phone number on the caller id. We chat for a few minutes, and then I hang up. I talk to my husband.

I hear "mmm, mmm, mmm," coming from the living room. I peek at my daughter who has managed to push all of her toys out of reach. I put down what I am doing and go to her aid. I play with my daughter.

The little one is safely esconced in her crib. I gather clothes and pile them in a basket to take to the washer, carefully stepping over several toys as I balance my load in my arms. I do the laundry.

Seemingly mundane tasks, these. Not very interesting to most, but real parts of my daily life.

The wonderful reality is, that "for of Him, and through Him and to Him are all things..." (Romans 11:36a)

I must stop to marvel at His creation as I shuffle downstairs. I tidy my kitchen for the glory of God. I should rejoice for a full refrigerator as I plan my dinner. I must encourage my husband when I talk to him. I am teaching my daughter about the things of God when I play with her. I must do my laundry heartily as unto the Lord.

For, because of Him, I live. Because of Him, I am able to move about, completing my tasks. It is because of Him that I am. For this reason, I must live for Him. Have joy in Him. Remember that He has bestowed great blessing, and likewise can bring trial to sharpen me and mold me in my Christian walk.

All things to you, Lord.

7 comments:

Beka said...

Oh my dear, that was beautiful.
Praise God that because of Him, we live and move and have our being! I just can't fathom how people can live without Him, how they can do these daily, seemingly mundane tasks without His joy and peace!
Thank you for these precious thoughts today!

Sara said...

Thank you for this post! I will dwell on this as I finish up my school today, and later go to work. Sometimes it's so hard to push myself to do things I normally wouldn't want to do, but I should be so thankful that I have the Lord helping me every step of the way!

Elise @A Path Made Straight said...

Beverly. You are so blessed, and in turn, such a blessing to me.
I have always been moved by the mundane - how powerful they are in the simplicity!
You have something special to pick up at my place!

Anonymous said...

I saw you on Dani-hermit's blog (the baby-in-womb post) and I must say, I really enjoyed this article, and your positive perspective on everyday life. i really needed to read that right now. My child is much bigger than yours, and doing things independantly, so at times I start to feel like, un-needed, but when I do ALL things "as unto the Lord"- well! What a blessing everything becomes!
Thanks for the "oh-so-needed" reminder!

Anonymous said...

I saw you on Dani-hermit's blog (the baby-in-womb post) and I must say, I really enjoyed this article, and your positive perspective on everyday life. i really needed to read that right now. My child is much bigger than yours, and doing things independantly, so at times I start to feel like, un-needed, but when I do ALL things "as unto the Lord"- well! What a blessing everything becomes!
Thanks for the "oh-so-needed" reminder!

Anonymous said...

Hi Beverly, came over from Joel & Jamie and I really like this post and your blog.
Have a lovely Easter Holiday, Helen

Beba said...

How familiar scene... and all of that is because of Him! Thank you Lord.