I read the greatest devotion this morning. Picture with me, if you will….a mom. She puts together this elaborate fun event for her two kids. The story doesn’t go into great detail about all that she did, but I can imagine she made it pretty special (Mama’s are just like that, right?).
After everything was said and done….the kids were off playing with their special guests and her husband was busy in his office. She stood in the wake of it all and took in the BIG MESS she still had to clean up. Tell me, can you relate? I know I can.
As the mom, we get all the dirty jobs. We tend to be the ones who overdo and go all out to make everything special for our families. Sometimes to the extent of exhaustion and resentment. Ever felt mad at everyone because you were left doing ALL THE WORK? Haha! Me too, friend!
The verse that went along with devo totally blessed my socks off. I’m quick to get overwhelmed, especially at holiday time. There is so much to do, so many dishes to prepare and the mess? Oh my word, I wash and wash until my hands shrivel up! That’s just how it is with big meals and celebrations. It’s easy to fall into feeling sorry for yourself. But God doesn’t want us to do that. He reminds us in Ephesians 6:8 “because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free”.
You and I don’t have to get all frizzed out over lazy family members not helping. Everything we do, we do for HIM (even though what were doing is for them too). The reward comes from Christ. If we seek and crave the praise and satisfaction from our loved ones and friends, we are doomed for disappointment. Seriously! We will run into frustration everytime.
So as you “work” to prepare the yummy foods and festive atmosphere tonight and tomorrow just remember WHO you are REALLY doing good for, J E S U S !!
