Do Everything Without Complaining

Yesterday, the sun sent me outside to work in my gardens. I love weeding and I love sunshine, so I was in my element. I was kneeling beside my galvanized-water trough-turned-planter on the deck, happily digging in the dirt with my bare hands, breaking up the clods, and dreaming about what I should plant for my winter garden. Some mums? Pansies? Something larger I could hang Christmas lights on later? I was enjoying myself so much, I forgot I was working. I love gardening. In fact, it isn't work to me.

Laundry isn't work for me, either. I enjoy laundry. I know, it's weird. I also enjoy vacuuming.

I was weeding and pruning to my heart's content. Then, I noticed the sun was going away, which meant I had to make dinner. I had a sick feeling in my stomach as I realized the fun work was over and the hard work was waiting. I really WANTED to run to the store and buy bedding plants. I really NEEDED to clean up and feed my hungry, hard-working family.

I make myself cook, just like I make myself wash walls, clean bathrooms and dust. There are some chores I don't particularly like.

As I was putting away tools and dumping the weeds into the yard waste container, I was reminded of Philippians 2:14 by a still small Voice, "Do all things without grumbling and complaining."

Since I believe that everything I do as a wife and a mommy is service for the Lord, I knew I needed to do everything, not just the things I like, with a good attitude. Plus, I have to be example to the kids. I can't rebuke them for whining and complaining even and then exhibit those behaviors, even a teeny, weeny bit. It was time to practice what I preach. That can be one of the hardest challenges in parenting - faithfully doing what we tell our kids to do.

After admitting I had been convicted by the same verse I use to motivate my children, I began thinking about how wonderful it is that the Lord gave us verses fit for every occasion.

He even gave us verses to encourage us to do something we don't want to do.

It worked. I encouraged myself to go in and make dinner with a cheerful attitude.

But, the Lord went ahead of me. I walked into the front yard and was greeted by my husband. He was happy to find out I DIDN'T make dinner yet because he was craving something and wanted to run to the grocery store with me to buy ingredients.

I ended up shopping instead of cooking.

I didn't grumble or complain one bit. But, I'm still holding onto those words of encouragement from the Lord, I know I'll need them soon....probably too soon...