“Lord,” they said, “we want to see!” Matthew 20:33 NLT
How often we dispense value through a murky lens.
- “That job is way more important than this one .”
- “I accomplished so much more yesterday than today .”
- “If I can just get this project done, the day won’t be lost.”
The roller-coaster ride of feeling a success or failure is exhausting.
I’m a writer.
At least that’s part of who I am.
I’m also a wife, mom, friend, cook, gardener, bed-maker, teacher, musician, pillow fluffer, encourager, and lover of books, art, and smoothies. I walk as much as I can and often sit for no reason except to listen to the wind or watch the sky.
I love early mornings — watering flowers and talking to the chickens, cat, and dogs — and making others smile.
Hanging laundry on the clothesline makes me smile.
Watching God being God really makes me smile.
Mostly, I’m a worshiper.
Sometimes I place too much value on one task while minimizing others.
As a writer, if I don’t produce ‘so many’ words on a regular basis I start to think I’m failing overall. Failing? Really?
Yep.
One afternoon as I pulled weeds and mowed grass, shook out rugs and wiped off counters, I wondered at the insignificance of my tasks. I lamented not being able to work on my next book or at least a blog. You know, something important.
Have you ever heard the Holy Spirit laugh? It’s stunning.
Not laughter of ridicule or even amusement, but tender joy. Laughter knowing a treasure lies in the path ahead. Laughter at the thought of Truth being uncovered.
Our Creator wants us to see clearly.
To understand mysteries.
To discern value from His perspective.
And so He began to speak.
- Writing inspired words is far-reaching, but so is living them.
- Teaching on My goodness is important, but so is enjoying Me.
- Serving the masses is noble, but also the one with whom you live.
Each breath, each moment is one to cherish.
Each step, each person, each action a treasure.
We like to categorize people and things and activities in order of importance. And granted, some things are frivolous and need to be acknowledged as such. But every step given to the leading of the Holy Spirit carries eternal value.
Jesus lived 33 years on earth. Not every day, every chore, or every word made the headlines. Yet each built upon another and carried immeasurable value in the whole.
Your choice to wash the dishes honors all who live in your home. Your decision to be steadfast and honest in your work reveals God’s Kingdom. Your joy at the simple things delights the One who pours out His rain upon the earth.
Each and every task carries worth.
Every day holds value in unique, precious ways — if we can see it.
I’m choosing to get off the roller-coaster of thinking one day is a failure and the next a success.
Wanna join me?
Father, may we hold dear what You hold dear. May we see the small deeds in light of Your wisdom. May we rest in the eternal picture, knowing You are doing more than we can imagine by Your power at work within us. May we laugh more, cry more, close our eyes and enjoy more knowing each of these is part of the whole. May we give ourselves fully to each moment, seeing them as You do.
Want to see more from Amy? Check out her article What We Forget About God.
Amy Layne Litzelman is passionate about knowing God more intimately in each moment and helping others do the same. Amy released her first book, This Beloved Road: A Journey of Revelation and Worship, in 2011. She has also composed over seventy songs, recorded four CDs, and traveled to teach and lead worship across the United States and in the Philippines and China. She and her husband, Matt, live in Jackson Hole, WY and have two adult sons.
Click here to learn more about gifted faith writer Amy Layne Litzelman.
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