In my calling as a church secretary, I often perform mundane
tasks. It’s what I do. My gift, I feel,
falls under the category of “helps.”
“And God has appointed these in the church: … gifts of healings, helps, administrations ….” 1 Corinthians 12:28
As I see it, I help by making the church run smoothly.Some tasks are not fun. In fact, many of them are boring. Today, I
was struck by the fact that I can see the beauty of God even in the mundane.
I’m folding inserts for the bulletin. They are on lavender paper. I think, “I’m glad God made lavender. I’m thankful for color. How boring it would be if everything were
just white.”
The paper feels good in my hands as I fold –it’s a good
weight and folds easily. Cheap paper
doesn’t fold well. How wonderful that
God gave us the raw materials and the wisdom to create a quality paper!
On the inserts are graphics and print, communicating to the
people. I think how communication is so
important, and a gift to the recipient when done well.
I fold at a desk that has a couple small lamps casting pools
of light on the desktop. I love
light! I love how light enhances the
beauty of the colors all around us. It illumines
and brings out the best of an object.
I think of God being light and how He illuminates the gifts
He puts in each one of us.
I am listening to piano
music playing in the background (in between phone calls) and I love how just
the way the artist touches the keys can evoke word pictures. I have heard rain falling gently, wind
sweeping through trees, thought of a place I visited as a child and worshiped
the King all through hearing keystrokes of song.
I look down and see my hands folding, folding one insert after another. I marvel at the dexterity that God gives me! I’m thankful I can do this – some can’t. I see my wedding rings on my hands as I fold
and I thank God for the gift of my husband and family. These hands are not alone!
My task is now done and I can go on to the next thing, all
the while practicing the presence of God.
“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Psalm 34:8
I'm sharing at Shanda's blog, A Pause on the Path.
A Brother Lawrence quote:
ReplyDelete“We ought not to grow tired of doing little things for
the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is
performed.”
By doing what you do, you are constantly "practicing the presence of God".
Thank you for sharing:)
This was a beautiful post! Thanks for the reminder to look for God in all things throughout our day.
ReplyDeleteSuch a good post.
ReplyDeleteWhen someone can see that much beauty in the job of folding paper inserts for the bulletin, then they definitely have the gifts of helps! No doubt about it! But in another light, ALL OF US should see His gracious hand in all we do. I loved this today, and you wrote it so beautifully! Thank you for this!
ReplyDeleteWow! Thank you! I thank you not only as a reader but as a pastor's wife. THere is NOTHING more precious in my world than a good (and safe) church secretary. Thank you for all you do! You are the essence of Eph 6:7-8: Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.
ReplyDeletethis is inspiring.
ReplyDeletei want this in my kneading bread, wiping faces, folding laundry life!
thank you, thank you, thank you for the simple encouragement to see all as worship.