Opportunities for Today

     To Do Lists keep me on-task and moving forward, but sometimes they feel like a bit of a burden. Yesterday, I read a quote on Pinterest that essentially said we should see our daily "boring" tasks as blessings. Due to being a caregiver now, my days have become a bit monotonous, and changing it up really isn't an option, so now what?

    I decided to embraced the idea of seeing boring tasks as "Opportunities for Today." What choice do I have, but to make the best of my situation? Ironically, with my enthusiasm set in place, my day began...the electricians showed up, unannounced to fix the work they did that didn't pass inspection, and the dog couldn't go outside, so she went on the carpet! Then, when the electricians got the electricity going to the pool pump, it started spraying water everywhere. I thought, "The devil doesn't like this new glass half-full attitude. I must be on the right track." 

    The scripture that came to my mind regarding taking care of the daily "boring" tasks was 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12 (NIV), "And in fact, you do love all of God's family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." 

    Isn't that scripture counterculture for us in America? "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life..." verses "make it your ambition to be out-front, making a name for yourself," which is how our society seems to measure success. It reminds me of Genesis 11:4, when God's people decided they had another plan for their lives, "Then they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.'" 

    From the beginning of time, people have wanted to "make a name for [themselves]" rather than make the name of God, first and foremost. We don't want to stay home or work behind the scenes doing menial tasks, because such work goes unnoticed and often unappreciated. We want to be seen by others as important and successful, rather than glorifying God with our life's work. 

    Back to working through my "Opportunities for Today." Thank you Lord, that You have given me opportunities to serve You and others today. Thank you Lord, that I have the strength and ability from You to do those tasks set aside for me to do. Help me to do my work for You as noted in Colossians 3:23-24 (NKJV), "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)