"Can I use a towel as He did? Towels and dishes and sandals, all the ordinary sordid things of our lives, reveal more quickly than anything what we are made of. It takes God Almighty Incarnate in us to do the meanest duty as it ought to be done."
~Oswald Chamber, My Utmost for His Highest
I remember well the days when I was a young, busy mother of five. There were loads of towels and heaps of dishes and the mud room was lined with dirty boots and shoes and flip flops. It seemed my work was never done. Then there were the rare days when someone brought a hearty casserole in a tin pan that didn't need to be returned to the giver. Why does a casserole like that taste so good? And why does sitting at the neighbor's table for a meal feel so luxurious? I remember gathering the children from the grandparents after a hard day's work to find them fed and bathed and in their jammies. These are loving gifts that can only be given with the hands and the heart.
This past weekend was a week of towels (and wash cloths and rags) and dishes and sandals. The newest grandchild was born and the Littles were with us while Mommy and Daddy were away. Can I use a towel like Jesus did? I hope so. Just when I think God might not be using me, way out here in the middle of nowhere, He makes me understand that my assignment is simple. With love, towel off little girls after a bath; with love, cook up a healthy meal for my people and joyfully wash up the dishes; with love, strap on little sandals several times a day and then strap on my own so together we can go out to play in the sunshine. Our chores are ordinary, constant, unseen by many, but may we do them out of love, and scatter joy wherever we are. When the Littles are not here, I ask God to remind me that my Dearheart is also in need of towels and dishes and
thank you for this great post and perspective, Jody! Amen...
ReplyDeleteI read this same devotion today! I only hope I can apply it as well as you. Loving grandchildren (and husbands) is so very important. I am close to 50, and I still remember staying at my grandmother's and what her soap smelled like and taking a bath with the evening breeze blowing through the open window.
ReplyDeleteI read that same devotional this morning. It is powerful and will have me thinking on it for several days. I enjoyed your reflection on it.
ReplyDeleteOh, what a beautiful post, so true, so inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThankyou for posting this. I needed to read this today with a house full of children and grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful post Jody. And what lucky grandchildren you have!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. Yesterday, these same thoughts washed over me, what the world would say was a waste of time God says is very important like you said, washing towels.
ReplyDeleteNothing ever tasted as good as when my grandparents would bring the kids home after a new baby was born and they brought food from their garden. Thanks for reminding me of that,
Love this post and peek into your thoughts, Jody. You are always such an encouragement.
ReplyDeleteThank you for these encouraging words.....
ReplyDeletereally needed them today,
Corinne
Oh Jody, with my not even six week ol babe in a tiny bassinet beside me I sit here with a huge lump in my throat. You have no idea the help you are to so many - and your words so often are like that big ol' casserole coming across my screen - a huge comfort - you have no idea. This is my 'home place' and I remember feeling that way about popping in here after my second was born...and now my third. Ah, you are so great. The hugest congratulations on that absolutely gorgeous grandbaby of yours. he looks perfectly lovely. All the best to your family! :)
ReplyDeleteEncouraging thoughts Jody - thanks! And a hearty congratulations to you and your family on such a lovely new boy! he's a little sweetheart!
ReplyDeleteLovely post Jody - thank you for the encouragement. I believe it was Mother Theresa who echoed your thoughts with "We all want to do great things but truth is, not everyone will do great things. But we can ALL do little things with great love."
ReplyDeleteCheyenne is right. You are a help to many-and indeed as comforting and satisfying as a big ol' casserole!
ReplyDeleteIt is very hard for me to put monotonous, never-ending housework in perspective. It's something I really have to work on. Thanks for the encouragement.
What a beautiful post. Reminded me watching two grandchildren all day and having a warm dinner ready when the parents came to pick them up. And of course, they were bathed and ready for bed. I guess as grandparents, this is what we do. And don't we just love it!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea that God has given you a simple assignment. And an important one, I might add! I'm trying to be mindful of daily blessings and daily opportunities to be giving. Life is here, right in front of as, as are our tasks. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeletexofrances
If we were to calculate, I suppose a good deal of our homemaker/mother/wife time is spent mopping up one mess or another. I'm REALLY thankful that I can throw all my towels in the washer and dryer and have the fun of folding clean and fresh laundry, too!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the latest grandchild!!