Are You Passionate About What You Do?

Are you passionate about what you do? Do you love getting up in the morning to do your job well?

I can’t say I always have.

When I was in high school, I generally dreaded Saturday mornings because that meant going to work. What happened to the days of enjoying a weekend?  

When I finally got to college, there were days I didn’t want to go to class. Why did I have to spend that time studying when I just wanted to get out in the real world?

But once I was out in the real world, I wished to be back at college, where life seemed so much easier. The stress of each day made me look forward to the time I would get to be a stay-at-home mom. That was the plan, after all, and that’s what I eagerly anticipated.

But you know what? I can’t say I’ve been thrilled every single day that I’ve stayed at home and taken care of every need of my girls and the house. Why doesn’t the sink stay empty for more than two hours? Why do I never see the bottom of the hamper? Why is there always dirt on the floor?

Discontentment. It has been strewn throughout my life.

It’s a song I no longer want to sing.

I have been more than blessed in every season of life, yet the natural reaction has been to look at the difficulties in the situations and yearn for something else instead of looking at all the good that surrounds me.

The problem is that I’m looking to the things around me to bring fulfillment in my life, which is only going to continue to leave me empty. God is the only one who can fill any hole in my heart.

I also neglect to work for God.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters" (Colossians 3:23).

Our work, no matter what it is, should be done for the Lord.

God has placed me right where I am for an incredible purpose.

Sometimes it doesn’t seem magnificent to be wiping butts, mopping up spill after spill, and walking on crumbs all day long, but if I look past all that, I see what truly matters. I am raising two beautiful children to know God. I have the privilege of pointing them to Him. I have the responsibility of pouring into the lives of these little girls because one day they are going to pour into the lives of others. I am building a legacy within my home.

There is nothing more important than that.

Sure, I don’t get to sleep in. I don’t always get to eat a hot meal. And I can’t do what I want when I want, but those smiles, hugs, and sparkling eyes make it all worth it.

I remember the first time I heard our oldest daughter pray on her own. We had no idea what she said, but God knew her heart, and mine swelled with joy. Her relationship with God was taking shape. What an incredible thing to witness. This is the most important work I will ever do, and I am blessed to be called a mother.

It’s time to stop looking at what I’m missing out on and start focusing on what God is using me for in this moment.

There’s nothing ordinary about it.

Whether you make six figures, minimum wage, or nothing at all, know that God has called you to be right where you are. He has an incredible plan for your life and for the lives of the people you interact with every day.

Don’t forget the incredible power God displays through ordinary people. It matters. 

When Life Is A Blur

When I was in high school, I played field hockey. Being on the field made me forget about everything else. I didn’t worry about my grades. I didn’t worry about the guy I had a crush on. I wasn’t thinking about the upcoming weekend. I was consumed by the game. That’s where my thoughts were focused.

On more than one occasion I acquired an injury during a game. The extent of it wasn’t revealed until I sat on the bench. Only then, once my adrenaline was no longer pumping, could I assess my wounds. My focus changed because I was quiet.

Some days I feel like I have tunnel vision. When I played field hockey, I could only think about getting that ball in the net. These days, my thoughts are consumed with my day to day responsibilities. My thoughts are focused on my young children and all their needs. Some days I’m drowning in laundry, play-doh, spit-up, and tears.

Sometimes life feels like a blur. These are the longest and shortest days, all at the same time.

I need to be still. I need to pull myself away from all of the demands calling my name, and I need to sit at the feet of Jesus. I need to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and I need to be instructed by our Father. I need to take the time to assess my wounds because they need treated before I can get back in the game.

“…Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10)

Oh, it’s so hard to be still.

This past weekend I was on a retreat, and we had an hour where we spent alone with God. No Bible. No notebook. No nothing. Just us in front of our heavenly Father. It wasn’t easy, but it was needed. It was refreshing.  It was eye-opening.

Did I get to take in the beauty of creation? Yes.

Did I get to pray, pray, and pray? Yes.

Was I convicted of certain things? Yes.

Did I leave perfect? Absolutely not, but I was bandaged.

Won’t you join me and be still before God? Even if it’s for five minutes. Even if it means staying in the bathroom a couple extra minutes. Let’s quiet our hearts so our lives can be illuminated instead of blurred.