My roommates and I have a rhythm to our lives. We agree on almost every front how we want to live our lives and the state of the environment we share. It’s awesome when you come home and “ta-da!” the dishes are put away… Or when you’ve had a busy Saturday and you return to see that the carpet is mysteriously vacuumed and looks great… Or the trash somehow was taken down to the dumpster and a fresh bag sits in its place…
It’s a wonderful reality, but the truth is: I do some of those things. They feel the same way because I wash the dishes…even when they’re not mine. I dust the furniture (truth be told, it’s kind of “my” chore…I don’t think the others even know we own Windex and Pledge) and they are the ones to come home and see that it’s different.
I do things because they’re MY contribution. Our apartment is a place I want live in. I like going home. I like sitting on our new recliners and feeling like the space I live in is a safe place, a better place. But I don’t just come home and sit there…There’s a time to sit. There’s a time to take care of me and my needs and myself. In fact, if that doesn’t happen, it’s unhealthy. But if all I do is tend to me and allow myself to get consumed with my own needs, problems, crises, entertainment or pleasure, I miss something.
Do you know what I mean by that? Feeling like you’re missing something?
Sometimes I wonder if we discover that reality or even feel that emotion because what we’re missing is a contribution to the big picture.
God, in all of his infinite wisdom, power and foresight isn’t the one who dusts the furniture in my house.
I don’t fault him for that, don’t resent him for that or even wonder if I should be disappointed that he didn’t intervene in my affairs and take care of that for me.
Dusting is my job.
You know what else is my job? Tending to the poor.
I’ve been thinking about this analogy and you know what? My apartment is a little like the world. God is absolutely present, absolutely involved and a wonderful, beautiful presence and relationship in my life. But the poor are my responsibility.
For my household to function properly, every member does their part. I dust. That’s my role. I also do dishes and vacuum and clean the bathroom…
What’s your job? Leading a mission? Financially supporting a mission? Praying for a mission?
I know that for my world to function, those I share this vision with all play a part. If your part is helping with the finances, the “Support Me” button is right there on the left. I’m taking care of things on this side.
As I continue through this birthday month, there are still spaces left on my “30 people, $30/month for the next year” campaign. Go ahead and start the process or leave a comment and I can talk you through it.
