Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Great and Noble

I recently discovered the following quote attributed to Helen Keller:

I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble.

This so resonates with me. I want my life to count for something, to accomplish something great and noble.

I've been told by experts that motherhood is a "great and noble task." This can be a hard truth to believe when I find myself drowning in the day-to-day mothering duties that fit the description "humble tasks" like a glove. You know the drill... diapers, dishes, laundry, etc., etc., etc. hardly great and noble if taken at face value.

I know parenting our kids and sharing Jesus with them is great and noble, I do, but it is far too easy to get lost in the monotony of the daily grind. I sometimes struggle to feel significant, but I've learned a little secret this summer.

Honestly, it is something I've known, I'm sure you know it to, but sometimes I need an idea repackaged or rephrased in order to embrace it again and let it change me.

Want to know the secret?

I intentionally dedicate my duties to the Heavenly Father who sees all, as an act of worship.

If I catch myself grumbling because I have to wash bedsheets for the umpteenth time that week, or wondering what's the point of sweeping the floor again. I try to stop myself "Lord, I'm so tired of doing the same things over and over again, but I will do them again for you."

It is a small thing, the task itself doesn't change, but the significance does.

The act of worship can even transform the act of folding underwear into something great and noble. Amazing!

Worship gives significance and purpose to the mistakenly mundane, every day tasks of motherhood, making them great and noble. Not because of what we do, but because of Who we do it for.

8 comments:

Rebekah said...

This is SO good Megan! Thank you for the lesson. I so appreciate your quiet and consistent service for your family. It truly is an example to me! I love you!!

arlan and katie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
arlan and katie said...

Awh...how humbling & yet how true!

Blessings to you & each mother out there as we worship today!
Kt

christine said...

Ugh! Laundry, scrubbing floors, breaking up fights. Been there, done that! Wait! I AM there, AM doing that. Thanks for the reminder that I can change my perspective to one of worship. Blessings to you, Megan!

smw said...

i've had that exact thought. if only i'd always remember it.

Emily said...

love the new blog look!

Gina said...

Megan your post immediately made me think of this song by Steven Curtis Chapman. Blessings!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW2Cz4dmz8o

Jill said...

I am blessed by this post today! Thanks for sharing.