While unloading the dishwasher last night, I thought of the constant repetition in life. Put the dishes away, pull them out to use, back in the dishwasher, back in the cupboard. It’s almost dizzying! Wash clothes, wear them, re-wash. Water the plants, pull weeds. Repeat. Or, go to work, come home, fix dinner, get the kids to bed. Then, morning comes bringing with it the same routine.
What’s this all for? Are we just spinning our wheels? The author of Ecclesiastes sums it up:
“Thus, I considered all my activities which my hand had done and the labor which I had exerted and behold, all was vanity…” (2:11)
Vanity means emptiness, striving or chasing after the wind. Has anyone EVER caught the wind?
Ecclesiastes also says that we are dust and “to dust we shall return” (3:11) so what’s the purpose?
I’ve decided that we could easily drive ourselves crazy trying to determine the reason for the repetition in our lives. We could, of course, reflect back on earlier times when life was more difficult than it is in our day. Once upon a time, people literally hunted for their food on a daily basis – rather than making a trip to the grocery store with the promise of something being available. There was a day when dishes, if you had them, were washed by hand. Laundry, even in my grandmother’s day, was done with a wringer washer and hung outside, in hopes there was no storm passing by.
One of the more interesting books I have ever read is called The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. Living back in the 17th century, he was led by God to Paris where he became a lay-brother of the Carmelite order which was where he took the name that remains by the title of his book (put together after his death from letters he had written).
Our days are often so busy that any thought of God gets pushed out. Some of this is because of responsibilities that seem to plague us, but other things often draw us away of our own accord. As the title indicates, Brother Lawrence believed whole-heartedly in practicing God’s presence at all times. He once said, “I honestly cannot understand how people who claim to love the Lord can be content without practicing His presence.” (p. 31) What does this mean? It basically means we have a constant awareness of Him. It doesn’t mean we stop what we’re doing and go into some sort of trance. He tells us He will “never leave nor forsake” us (Deuteronomy 31:6). Our responsibility is to remember that, acknowledge it and live by it.
Brother Lawrence also recommends: “We must try to converse with God in little ways while we do our work.” (p. 59). Wouldn’t that change our perspective?
Make up a bed and pray for the person who sleeps there. Wash clothes and be thankful you have something to wear. Fix dinner for your children and be grateful you have them and food to share.
I wonder if trying to “find our purpose” isn’t a bit like chasing our tail. We exert so much energy doing so, that we miss out on experiencing God’s presence and His gifts. Just a thought…
“Thou wilt make known to me the path of life; in Thy presence is fulness of joy.” (Psalm 16:11)
What a challenge! I love being challenged to pray during every activity. Our routine might seem monotonous but should press us to appreciate opportunity.
Such a wonderful book! Thank you Teri for the reminder that we have the ability to transform the mundane into something truly exciting by remembering to include the Lord in whatever we do! And yes, that’s the challenge!!❤️
Thanks for reminding me how important to practice His presence! So important! Easy to get way too busy with routine!! Thx Teri!
Amen 🙂
Very timely message about turning to God. Iove how you connect the ordinary events in our lives and find our gracious and merciful God.
Great insights Teri! Years ago I often wondered how my dad was so committed to farming the ground year after year, driving his tractor in circles to accomplish a harvest. I’m grateful he did!!
JOY in God’s presence; so worth it!!
Bless you❤️
Well said. Thanks Teri
Thank you Teri for reminding me to find God’s presence in the mundane.