I stood at the kitchen sink, dishrag in hand, feeling as though I was stuck in a monotonous cycle of household chores. No matter how clean my kitchen might become, a new dish would appear within moments of the sink being emptied. A trail of crumbs would be scattered about the floor as soon as the floor had been swept. Freshly folded clothes hadn’t been put away before the laundry room had a new pile forming in the corner.
As one who likes to make a list and check a box, the responsibilities of caring for my family and home created friction within that type-A part of me, as the tasks were unending and repetitive. I felt my heart harden a bit toward my family. Not because they were demanding me to do these things but because I felt a self-imposed expectation that I would do them.
I began praying as I washed and dried the next dish. “Lord, how can I impact the world for your glory if I spend most of my time at home? Help me see where you would have me serve.”
Within an instant, the word whatever rang in my head.
I washed and dried and washed some more, and still, the word whatever played in my mind like a broken record. I repeated my prayer, “Lord, Help me see where you would have me serve.”
Again, I heard the word whatever. But this time, it hit me like a ton of bricks as I recalled Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
There it was clear as day – whatever.
Sometimes, we feel our work at home is insignificant; however, God says whatever we do can be for His glory.
As I began changing my mindset, my heart toward my family and responsibilities also changed. In moments of frustration or exhaustion, I would repeat Colossians 3:23 aloud or simply say, “Whatever!” to remind myself that God placed a calling on my life not only to serve the world around me and the people in it but to do all things for His glory. Right down to the last dirty dish.
Now, when I begin a task around the house, I start by saying aloud, “Whatever, Lord!” as a reminder that serving my family is also serving God. Serving my family is a demonstration of love. Caring for my home is an act of stewardship. In it all, I want to give glory to God and know that what I do matters.
What are ways you demonstrate love for others? How can you allow your acts of service to also be love offerings? Let your eyes and heart be open to where God calls you to do whatever for His glory.
About the Author:
Sarah Brown is the mother of two boys—one teenager and one toddler. Needless to say, life has been full of surprises. A former elementary educator and children’s minister, Sarah is passionate about writing stories that engage and inspire young readers and women. She has received the Women of Influence Award from the Nashville Business Journal and serves as a board member for the Patricia Hart Society of the United Way of Greater Nashville, focusing on childhood education and literacy. Sarah lives just outside of Nashville with her husband and two sons.
Connect with Sarah:
IG: @authorsarahsbrown
FB: @authorsarahbrown
