Imperfect Success: Embracing today

“It is easy to think you have a heart for orphans on the other side of the world, but if you spend your time at home resenting the imposition your children are on you, you do not. You cannot have a heart for the gospel and fussiness about your life at the same time. You will never make any difference there if you cannot be at peace here. You cannot have a heart for missions, but not for the people around you. A true love of the gospel overflows and overpowers. It will be in everything you do, however drab, however simple, however repetitive.”

Ouch. 

This quote from an article written by Rachel Jankovic hit me hard this morning. I was feeling frustrated and resentful with my children because I was ‘supposed’ to be at a women’s Bible study this morning. Instead, I am home because one of the boys has an ear infection and is needing extra attention and care. Even at this moment, I am feeling irritated by one son wanting food, and another needing a diaper change and nose wipe. 

Wow. 

These are true human needs, right in front of my face, and they annoy me because I think I should be doing more ‘spiritual’ things like Bible study and ‘ministry’. Why is it that feeding the homeless, caring for orphaned children, traveling overseas, adopting or fostering needy children, or working at a hospital, sound so much more exciting and fulfilling? Why do I romanticize and spiritualize so many things over the daily tasks I am called to?

I am learning that the repetitive, often menial tasks that most of us are called to each day – be it at a job, ‘ministry’, or home – are the perfect place for us to grow in our understanding of God and the gospel. God is shaping our hearts and lives as we respond to the people and responsibilities right in front of us. 

What are you called to walk in today? 

For me, this looks like taking a day that started out rough... tiredness, tension, frustration, discontentment, and the boys in front of TV shows for two hours... and embracing it by the Lord’s grace and help. I will turn off the computer, set aside my phone, and cuddle my sick boy. I will read stories, do laundry, feed, change, and nurture my little men. I will take deep breaths and soak in God’s love and truth when my mind and emotions feel overwhelmed. I will rejoice over small victories instead of despairing over ‘defeats’. I will choose joy. 

Here is my prayer for myself, and anyone reading this today...  

“May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” – Colossians 1:11-12