Despite an involuntary shudder when I think of the crowds and pushy vendors at the homeschool convention I attended this past weekend, I consider my time away from home well-spent, thanks in large part to Dr. Christopher Perrin, whose workshops I attended at every opportunity. There is much I could share of what he said, but it will take time to process ideas and envision their application. Someday you may read more of him, but for now, I will share just one of his themes. Surely, it is not his alone, and I have heard it similarly, though not so bluntly phrased. Here it is...
If we are called and enabled as Christians to love our enemies and even embrace our own martyrdom, can we not also love to do the mundane, dreary, and difficult?
Can we not sweep the floor with joy? Can we not smile as we wash the dishes and fold the clothes? Can we not struggle through, and teach our children to struggle through, difficult school subjects with patience, grace, and even delight? Can we not do all these things and more, we who are called to take up our cross daily and follow Christ?
When we consider what Christ suffered for the joy set before him, and the many who have followed Him to literal, physical death for the sake of others, can we not rejoice in our small discomforts, inconveniences, and difficulties? Can we not embrace and delight in the tasks set before us, however unlovely they may be? Can we not delight in fulfilling our duties, duties that often feel like vicious enemies, with love, joy, and peace?
It seems so small a thing, in the light of greater sacrifices. Yet it is no small task to live joyfully in life's every moment. With constant distractions and frequent irritations, even on a pleasant day, joy must be a conscious choice. We must not allow drudgery to deprive us - and those around us - of the delight of serving well. Instead, we must fix our eyes on the Author and Perfecter of our Faith, He who gave all that we might receive all... and be willing to give all away, even to give love to the awful, unyielding task of washing dishes day after day after day.
I'm not saying it's an easy calling, but it is worth consideration.
No comments:
Post a Comment