Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Needs and wants

Today I'm wondering...


Why do I spend a majority of my time doing the things I need to do... instead of doing the things I like to do?


And more than that, why don't I long to do the things I need to do... instead of longing that they'd just be DONE ALREADY?!?!?!


In one sense, I know the answer. I do the things that need doing because that's what needs to be done!! (say that 3 times fast!) The laundry, the yard work, the cooking, the spanking... it all needs to be done... and more so, it's part of my job description!


And, of course, there are many many many things that I love about my job--like the satisfaction of completing a project, the snuggles of my sons as we sit and read books, the contentment and happiness in a clean house and a well-cooked (dare I add, "gourmet"?) meal.


But still, at times I struggle! Why don't I desire the things I should? Why is it a constant act of self denial to unload the dishwasher? I know that God has called me to do all things as unto Him, to serve others, to love my husband, to train my children... but... do I NEED to desire to scrub toilets in order to bring Him glory?


Sigh.


I suppose... I really do know the answer, as you probably do to, I'm just trying to avoid it, trying to pretend that its okay if I complain or begrudge or resent just a few household responsibilities. After all, I don't complain that often, and more importantly the job is getting done!!


Whoops! Does anyone else hear that? The "did God really say?" in that last paragraph? Yes. God really said. He really did command me and He really did create me to bring Him glory!!



Lord, give me strength and courage to wage war against my flesh; to live for you and not myself.

4 comments:

Kay said...

very appropriate blog for today, i appreciate your honesty. the worst part for me is hearing my 'bad attitude' days being mimicked by my children. i am a poor example to them on those days, and i dearly desire to teach them in accordance with God's Word.

Rachael said...

Thanks for the reminder. I really needed that. After Joe's parents left yesterday I've been a little down. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction :)

Grandma said...

I think each of us feels that way sometimes. The most important thing is to realize that although you might not FEEL like doing some little job or chore, you can give thanks to God that you CAN do it, that you are ABLE to do it. How much we have to be thankful for. We have houses to clean, clothes to wash, children to care for, meals to prepare. What blessings! So, give thanks for each little chore, count each of your blessings every day, and remember that everything you have and all that you are, comes from the hand of your heavenly Father. (And go and scrub that kitchen floor with joy overflowing for His great love.)

Jesse Kreun said...

Wow! You really get to the heart of it. Why is it so easy to give God part of our lives (the easy parts that bring us joy), but not to give him our whole lives? Our flesh continues to hold on to those grudges and those parts we don't like. When you get the answer, let me know.

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