Tuesday, December 16, 2008

The Labor of the Home

Several years ago when my oldest was still in the toddler stage, a Titus 2 friend gave me a copy of an article she found and loved from a magazine that is no longer in print.  I read it and re-read it over and over again...  it was the soothing balm that my soul needed at that time.  I have kept the copy, shared it with friends, and still enjoy sitting down to read it again.   I thought in light of my last two posts on death and life and vision this would slip in perfectly.


Our labor is lifelong and culture-forming.  It takes place in the smallest moments- taking the time to give the extra word of praise instead of hurrying to the next item on the "to do" list.  It takes place around tables opened to strangers and saints.  It takes place when wives publicly honor their husbands and when children love and obey their parents.  This is the labor that matters most.  
It begins with us.  It begins afresh each day.  May the Lord give us vision to see the long term in the midst of the bustling, busy short term.  May He equip us to build His kingdom with confidence, eve as we watch the kingdoms of men crumble.  Christ has called us to labor with Him.  What a privilege and a joy!  Let us labor together and call all of the work a blessing as day follows day.  This is our birthright, and we must not sell it for the pottage our culture hold out to us.  

Jennie Chancey

It's okay that our home gets a little messy, there is life here.  I am not at home to take care of a list of chores (yes, there is a proper place for lists and actually getting the house clean :) ) but my job goes much farther than that.  We are learning and growing together.   There is needed instruction and encouragement. Relationships need to be build and love needs to be shown. 

Lives are being shaped.  

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.  
1 Corinthians 15:58

  

4 comments:

  1. Loved the quote and of course I'm trying to figure out who the Titus 2 friend was. Your home, your nest is filled with joy and life-and with Christ.

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  2. Carrie,
    Your posts have been such a blessing to me this week. You are sharing such God-inspired words. Thank you for the encouragement!
    Blessings,
    Joy

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  3. Thanks for the post. It is such an encouragement and words I need to hear. Blessings! Michele

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