Why Do I Do That?

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

Why Do I Do That?

It’s spring and it’s crazy! The schedules are packed with softball and baseball double headers, cattle shows, concerts, meetings, assemblies, prom and graduation parties. I think the messiness of schedules this time of year is part of what makes summer so lovely! The other night I was sitting on aluminum bleachers for the third night that week and I overheard a tired frazzled mom say, “Why do I do this?”

I spent some time thinking about that and I realized how important perspective is during crazy times. I heard my mother’s voice on the drive home that night. She would always say, “The greatest way to serve God is to serve others.” Service is what we are all called to and if something is done for another out of kindness and love its service. I love my kids with all my heart, Dave and I have been blessed with great kids and I don’t want to miss a thing they do. They were our gift from God and it’s our responsibility to raise them to be as faithful, strong, respectful and kind as we can. Early on in my motherhood a wise mother reminded me that babies were a gift from God but they belong to Him, we just get the privilege of tending them and raising them up to imitate Him. I also heard my dad’s voice on the drive home that night. Dad always said, “If you borrow something, you need to return it in the same or better shape than it was when you got it.” I realized that applied to our children.

If I truly believe that service is important, I’ll use the busy schedule this spring as a way to honor God. I’ll fill the bleachers with kind words and laughter. I’ll wash those uniforms and iron those dress clothes in prayer. True, Jesus won’t be wearing number 4, number 8 or a green dress shirt but I can still wash and iron, offering that task in service to Him. I can make sure that my words are encouraging. I can demonstrate patience with kids, coaches, fans and my husband. I can be grateful that I know so many wonderful kids who are able to run and play and receive awards. I can teach my children humility, I can speak about and pray for good winning and even better loosing. I can teach respect for authority by demonstrating respectfulness toward officials and teachers and coaches. I can teach my kids that life isn’t always fair and parent’s eyes are biased. I can teach my kids that they aren’t entitled to things. I can help my kids see that lots of other folks have different gifts than them and that is a cause for congratulations and celebration not pouting and criticizing. I can help them understand that each time they do something, it’s their chance to do their best and offer their performance as a gift to God in thanksgiving for all their blessings. I can teach them that when they are doing things for God’s glory and not their own, His approval is what they should seek, not the praise of a coach or teacher or fan and they will never be disappointed. Mostly I can be thankful for time spent traveling with my kids because they are catapulting into adulthood right before my very eyes.

The way I figure it, I have two choices. I can either complain about how busy I am and how little time I have to do this or that OR I can relax and enjoy God in the present. Laundry will always be waiting, sweeping and dusting truly isn’t more important than my children and as my oldest son Kevin always says, “You can sleep when you’re dead.” I’m going to focus on the event at hand and not worry about what needs to be done tomorrow or next week or next month. I’m going to ask God to meet me in THIS day, THIS game, THIS event. By the time I got home the other night, I had a clear understanding of “Why I do this!” Each crazy, hectic event is a chance to find and spread the joy of Christ…I’ll have to ask myself often how I’m doing!

A Seed To Plant: As you face your busy day, take time to offer the challenges and stress of the schedule to God. Ask Him to bless it and help you find ways to serve Him through the people and events of the day.

Blessings on your day!