The plastic eggs in the Easter baskets are empty. The remains of pastel colored candy wrappers are nestled in the fake grass. Cars have a yellow blanket of pollen over them. Spring break is over for schools and the count down until the last day of school are on the boards. All those confirm that life just shifted into high gear and it’s going to be a little crazy the next month.
Final projects, preparing for end of year tests, dance recitals, ending spring sports games and starting summer practices. Making summer vacation and summer camp reservations and plans. End of school year parties to plan, banquets to coordinate, Mother’s Day gifts and Teacher Appreciation week gifts to make and buy along with end of year gifts.
Sometimes I think this time of year is busier than the month of December before Christmas.
Embedded in all those responsibilities knots of stress, frustration, aggravation and weariness can form and grow quickly like the tall, fuzzy, dandy lions standing high amongst the blades of grass that also needs to be mowed.
Now don’t get me wrong. I love the new life of spring. Looking outside one day and you see a hint of green on the trees and the next thing you know they’re full of beautiful leaves. Flowers’ colors brilliantly sing out loud along with the birds welcoming in the warmer weather. There’s so much more enthusiasm in our kids who can finally come out of hibernation and roll in the grass, look for caterpillars, ride their bikes and play tag outside.
Yes, that’s right. Enthusiasm! That is what new life is all about! And maybe that’s why Easter is celebrated in the spring. New life! Resurrection! Claiming victory of making it though another cold and lifeless winter season in our lives.
The other day I was reading 1 Cor. 15:57-58 (NLT)
“But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”
Geez, I know I’m going to need this reminder. I think I need to write that one on a post-it and put it on my bathroom mirror and read it every day especially the next month or so. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
When I think about it, I ask myself, “Are all these things I’ve signed up for, been asked to do, (didn’t say “no” to) and really have no choice of the matter worth it?”
But work enthusiastically because nothing your do for the Lord is useless.
In all things we do, it should be with joy. In all things we do it should bring God joy. When we honor God while working, He won’t allow it to be useless.
So, when you’re hosing the pollen off your deck while you sneeze, signing your name on a empty space to volunteer, making plans for the next few months, do it with enthusiasm! The Spirit can teach you and speak to you though those responsibilities. He can work through you as you are an example of Jesus to the people you’ll be with during those days ahead.
That’s what it boils down to…for others to see holy, enthusiastic joy in the midst of all the things you do in your crazy-busy life.
Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
No comments:
Post a Comment