The Little Things

by Nancy Campbell

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee rule over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord" (Matthew 25:21).

Doing little things can often seem so insignificant, can't they? Especially menial things. Tedious things. The things that you have to do over and over again like making beds, doing laundry, doing dishes and preparing meals. Can I remind you that no little thing is insignificant? Little things accumulate and add up to big things. And more important of all, God notices. He is interested in the little things as much as the big things.

When God, who is watching over the walls of your home, sees you faithfully and joyfully embracing your daily tasks, it pleases His heart. He takes notice of it. God takes as much pleasure in the little things as He does the big things. He created the huge mountains,but put even more intricate design to each tiny snowflake which you can only see under a magnifying glass. He created the giant redwoods (you may have driven your car through one of the trunks of these trees in California, as we have), but He created the beauty of the little violet and forget-me-not flowers.God poured beauty and intricate design into the tiniest of His creations, some that can't even be seen by the eyes of men. You also are being transformed into the character of God when you make beauty and joy out of your little and menial tasks, tasks that you think are boring. Nothing is boring when God is in it! Seek ways to do your little tasks faster, better and more creatively. Sing while you do them. Thank God that He is with you as you do them.

I am always challenged by Frank Bunker Gilbert in Cheaper by the Dozen who sought to do every household task more efficiently and quickly. He timed his children doing each task to see if they could do it more quickly the next time. That's why we have so many wonderful inventions in the world today because people seek ways to do things quicker and better than before! The little can lead to the amazing! This can happen in your home every day as you bring God into every task! It changes the boring to the interesting; the mundane to the creative and the little to make the way for the great.

I feel very blessed to have the privilege of encouraging the mothers of the world and printing 160,000 magazines each time we print a new Above Rubies.Did I start with this number? No. when I printed the first issue over 33 years ago I printed only 1500 copies! But it started even before I was married. I was teaching and gave my vacation time to ministering at girls' camps. These young girls came in from all over the country, many from non-Christian homes. It was a joy to lead many of them to the Lord, but I knew they would go home to receive no encouragement in their faith. I began writing to them and ended up writing regularly to over 100 girls. Looking back, I believe that because I was faithful in that small task, God chose me to do a bigger task and to reach thousands and thousands of families across the world.

Many women send in poems and writings to me for inclusion in Above Rubies. Sadly, I can't use them all. I cannot find space for all the poems. But can I encourage you? Don't wait to be published. Write your poem or prose out beautifully on a lovely card and give it to someone in need. Write poems for your husband, children or grandchildren. Write rhymes for Name Places at the dinner table. Write encouraging letters to those who need uplifting. Use your writing talent for your family and the people God puts on your heart. As you share your writings with those around you to bless and uplift them, God will open bigger doors.He gives rulership to those who are faithful in the least. Do you feel you have a message to speak to thousands? You may wait forever for that opportunity. Start where you are. Bless your family with your inspirations. Speak to everyone you meet. As you are faithful to do this, God may open up remunerative opportunities.Are you an artist? Paint the walls of your home. Paint beautiful pictures to give to friends. Draw a picture for an older person living on their own. Decorate cards and give them to those who need encouraging.Use your gift to bless those around you and God will open bigger opportunities.Zechariah 4:10 says, "Who has despised the day of small things?"

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL,

ABOVE RUBIES

PRAYER:

"I thank you, dear Father, that you are interested in the little things as well as the big things. Help me to know

that you are with me in every small task I accomplish in my home. I thank you that even the mundane things
are wonderful when you are in them. Amen."

AFFIRMATION:

I am making every little task into an amazing one!

Be Worthy of Me

Yesterday evening we read and discussed chapter 3 in Sacred Influence, "Be Worthy of Me." I read through the verses that were referenced regarding walking a life that is worthy of the Lord. Oh, how I desire to live toward my children, my husband, and my Lord in a way that is worthy of Him and of them! And oh, how I fail every day!

The verses that especially challenge me are Ephesians 4:1-3. In the version I've been using for my devotional time, it says, "Therefore I, the prisoner united with the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called. Always be humble, gentle, and patient, bearing with one another in love, and making every effort to preserve the unity the Spirit gives through the binding power of peace" (Complete Jewish Bible).

Humble ... gentle ... patient? I wouldn't really use those words to characterize me yesterday toward my children. "Bearing with one another in love"? Hardly. I was mostly frustrated and impatient. Thankfully, I never totally lost it with them yesterday, but I was certainly close many times.

This is so much more than I can possibly do! I cannot live worthy of Him! At least ... in my own strength I cannot.

But thanks to the Lord, He lives to make intercession for me (Hebrews 7:25)! When I am weak, I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). He is able to keep me from stumbling (Jude 1:24). He works in me both to will and to do according to His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13)!

Lord, have Your way with me! Work Your character in me. Cultivate the fruit of Your Spirit in me. Renew my mind. Purify my heart. Keep me from going astray. On my own, I am but a foolish, wayward sheep. You protect and keep me. I place myself in Your hands.

Psalm 51 is the prayer of my heart today.

Deceptive Fantasy

A deceptive fantasy has been my constant companion. Whispering sweet nothings in my ear. "You can do it. You have to do it. You can slow down once you get it all done. Then you can play with your kids. Then you can take them to the park. Then you can relax."

The elusive then.

And recently I realized something profound.

Then will never come.

The fantasy shifts, elusive. Some days it looks like a spic 'n' span house. (Most days.)

Some days it looks like six baby books all updated and full of pictures (ha!).

Some days it looks like all the kids' school work done and all our goals met for the week.

Some days it looks like all the laundry caught up [hysterical laughter].

The fantasy changes, but one thing is consistent. Whatever I have accomplished, it tells me that I must do more. There is no time to be, for it always demands more.

So I have made a decision.

No more fantasy.

I am going to live my dream life now. Right in the middle of the mess, piles of laundry that are never caught up, toys that are never all picked up, dishes that are never completely done, baby books that may never be caught up, and goals that may rarely be met.

I will enjoy my life and enjoy my children. Today.

Goodbye, deceptive fantasy. Hello, beautiful reality.

Stop

A few weeks ago, my husband got a ticket for not coming to a complete, four-wheel stop at a stop sign. Since then, though I thought his stopping technique was just fine, I have been paying more attention to my own stops while driving. I have been discovering how hard it is to make myself stop that completely. Sure, I pause to look around and make sure it's safe to proceed, but to come to a complete, absolute, dead stop seems like a pointless waste of time. Especially when there are no other drivers or pedestrians in sight.

But one night as I drove home from church recently, I heard the whisper of the Holy Spirit in my soul, "You don't come to complete stops in life, either." At first I thought He was talking to the wrong half of my blessed marriage union. My husband is the one who identifies himself by the name of a high speed race car, the salt racer. I am more the pondering, meandering type, comparatively.

However, realizing that the Holy Spirit may have more insight than I have, I asked Him, "What 'stop signs' have been moving past too quickly?" This was His answer:

"I have put stop points in Your day. First thing in the morning, nap time, and in the evening, for example. During those times, put aside all your doings and stop. Be with Me. Rest in Me. Let me fill you, refresh you, invigorate you, envision you. There are times for doing. But take the time to stop with Me."

I am happy to report that I have been doing a bit better in this area. This morning when I woke, I used the five minutes I had before getting the kids up to sit down and pray (instead of getting dressed - did that later - much later). I asked for wisdom and direction and that my words, tone of voice, and facial expressions would reflect Him today. (Not that I succeeded perfectly in this - not even close - but I figure if I keep asking He will surely help me to get closer each day.) Then, halfway through the morning when I started to feel "a quart low" (a favorite quote of my quotable son from the Pixar movie, Cars), I went into my walk-in closet, closed the door, and just lay on the floor for a few minutes, asking to be refilled and re-envisioned. And He did that, in spite of the fact that the door was opened several times by inquisitive children wanting to know why Mommy was lying on the closet floor!

So I encourage you to take some time to come to a "complete stop" today too. It can be really hard to do. It may seem like a waste of time. But you'll be glad you did.

Repetition

day after day
hour by hour
over and over
again and again

the laundry, the dishes,
the diapers, the breakfasts,
the laundry, the dishes,
the diapers, the lunches,
the laundry, the dishes,
the diapers, the dinners
the bedtimes, the prayers
then do it again

what does it mean?
does it all matter?
what am I doing?
wasting my life??

do all these dishes
and laundry and diapers
and lunches and dinners
get me anywhere?

whispers in quiet
voice always speaking
if I can listen
past all my doubts

"Each act of love,
each act of giving,
really does matter
I really do care.

"Every time that
you wash the dishes,
every item of
clothing you fold,

"I add a jewel to the
gown that I'm making
for you to wear
on our wedding day.

"So don't be discouraged,
My beautiful bride,
I see you and notice;
you will be repaid."

Getting Up

For a few months after the birth of a baby (or babies!) my schedule is completely disrupted. I am sure you can relate. The past few weeks it's been sputtering back into some semblance of order. Now I am starting to feel ready to start my day before the kids get up, but I am having to be reminded why. Why give up an hour of sleep when it seems like tiredness is my constant companion? What should I do with that time when I do get up? This morning I journaled my thoughts, speaking to my soul and trying to listen to the Holy Spirit. I hope they encourage someone that you are not alone in the struggle.

My thoughts get so confused sometimes. Why do I get up early? To be with You. Then why am I so easily distracted? My warm bed lures me to stay even though I know the day will be so much harder if I don't have this quiet time with You first. Baskets of unfolded laundry stare at me. The kitchen pulls with its multiple tasks. Before I know it, this precious hour could be whittled away to nothing. I have the rest of the day to do those things. I have only this hour to be with You.

Why are the best (and, really, most pleasant) things sometimes the hardest? Both laziness and responsibility pull me away from a place of simple trust and obedience. Help me to find the place of rest in You, the place of faith. Here I am, Lord, at Your feet. Putting the first thing first. The rest of the day is for others. This part is Yours. Have Your way with me.

Then, as I put aside my journal and waited on the Lord, I heard His whisper in my soul, "Give in to Me, beloved. I am here. I delight in you. Don't strive. Rest in me."

I pray that you will find a place of rest in Him today.

What a Waste

What a waste God makes of His resources. Wouldn't I be better used serving Him in a more public way, ministering to hundreds or thousands? He's given me some talent. Isn't it wasted day after day as I am hidden behind these four walls? I can sing, but the only people who hear me are a few little children. I write love songs to Him, but the only people who learn them are barely able to read. I have some ability to draw, but I rarely have time as I change diapers and feed babies day and night. The poetry I write lies between the covers of my journal. What is He doing? Why is He wasting my life like this? I have so much more to give!

To be honest, these are some of the thoughts that come to mind when I have a moment to stop and think. They bubble under the surface of my consciousness, undermining my emotions even when I am not aware of them. When they are exposed, I show them to the only One who can answer my questions. Gently He begins to dig more deeply, probing my heart:

"You have the most important assignment that I could give to you. The little ones I have put into your care are so precious to me that I have given them my best. You. All the talents and gifts I have given to you, all the passion and desire, are meant to be poured into them day and night. You may not minister widely, but you will minister deeply to these few I have given you."

Then I remember. Didn't He waste His Son in the same way? And I am satisfied.

It's Going to Be a Party!

When I read the following this morning, I got so excited! We have so much to look forward to when our King comes back!!

On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. It will be said on that day, "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation." (Isaiah 25:6-9)

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

The Point of Our Existence

I just have to share this quote from an essay called "Man or Rabbit?" that I read in God in the Dock, a compilation of articles and essays by C. S. Lewis. I have been savoring it all evening.

"'When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.' The idea of reaching 'a good life' without Christ is based on a double error. Firstly, we cannot do it; and secondly, in setting up 'a good life' as our final goal, we have missed the very point of our existence. Morality is a mountain which we cannot climb by our own efforts; and if we could we should only perish in the ice and unbreathable air of the summit, lacking those wings with which the rest of the journey has to be accomplished. For it is from there that the real ascent begins. The ropes and axes are 'done away' and the rest is a matter of flying."

All this time, while I am busy trying to scale this daunting mountain of living "a good life," the Lord is saying, "Look at Me! Let me carry you, for you cannot ascend on your own. You are sweating and working so hard and getting nowhere. For you are not meant to be 'worried, conscientious, ethical, ... [or] cowardly and sensual.' I made you to be 'a real Man, an ageless god, a son of God, strong, radiant, wise, beautiful, and drenched in joy.' Look up! I mean to give you wings to fly!

(Lewis' opening quote is from 1 Corinthians 13:10.)

Soundtrack of My Life

The other night, I was humming a random tune that was in my heart. My 3-year-old asked me, "Mommy, what are you singing?" "Just something I made up," I replied. My husband interjected, "It's the soundtrack of Mommy's life."

It's true. God speaks to me through songs. Day or night, if I listen, I can hear them in my mind. I can join in and sing (or hum) them back to Him. Or I can tune them out. When I listen, I know that I am loved, for the God of the universe takes the time to play a soundtrack to my heart. He doesn't get tired of doing it, either. He makes sure that the right song is queued up at the right time. He knows just what I need. Sometimes it's a song of praise. Sometimes one of affirmation. Sometimes it's fun or beautiful. Occasionally it's dissonant and harsh. Whatever I need is right there for the taking, and the language I need to communicate with Him is provided. So simple. So personal. So real.

So I was thinking, I bet He does this for others too! Maybe it's through music like me, or through words or sunsets or stars or flowers ... the possibilities are endless. What's the language of your heart?

Living Simply

Last night at The Rock of Roseville, Pastor Steve Gregor preached an impacting sermon about middle-class Christianity and how far short it falls from the lifestyle that Jesus preached. One part that particularly struck me was his encouragement to simplify our lives so that we can allocate more resources to the Kingdom of God. As he reminded us, "... to whom much is given, from him much will be required" (Luke 12:48, NKJV).

So the question I am asking is, how can I further simplify my life? Being among the richest people in the world (the American middle class), how can I use what I have been given to further God's kingdom instead of merely using it to make my life more luxurious? I tremble at these words:

"In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow ..." (Revelation 18:7).

This is not a new question to me. In fact, it was the major question in Paul and my hearts a few years ago when the Lord led us to sell our house, close our failing business, pay off our debts, and move into a less expensive rental. We also committed at that time to live with less "stuff" (something we are still working on living out), to make our cars last as long as possible, and to ask the Lord for direction in every financial decision. Then, about a year ago, we felt the invitation to go even further, stepping out in faith to adopt our daughter, Alana.

Yet, looking at our lifestyle, though we have simplified from where we were three years ago, I sense that there is more "fat" to trim. Jesus says, "When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind" (Luke 14:12-14). Yet, in September we will be involved in several events that include our friends and family but none that include the poor, the maimed, the lame, or the blind. How do we apply this?

Does you have any ideas that have helped you to live your life more simply?

The Proposal

This blog post is an incredible description of the intimacy that Jesus desires and intends to have with us. If you let it, it can transform the way that you pray and worship.

http://tenthavenuenorth.com/blog/2009/06/19/chapter-9-beloved/

Unexpected Answer to Prayer

Last month I was so blessed to be able to go to the International House of Prayer in Kansas City for three days! I also visited with a very dear friend whom I have known for over 15 years but rarely get to see.

While I was in the prayer room, I was crying out to God that I really need Him to meet me daily with the strength and energy I need to care for the family He has given me. Instead of whining about it like I mostly have in the past, I simply came to Him in trust, knowing that He must have a way of providing for me since He gave me these responsibilities. In response, I felt that He promised to give me a burst of energy each day to help me accomplish more. Not just to push through the weariness, but to be able to run like a sprinter. I expected that burst to come during nap time, buying me a couple of extra hours each day to get something done instead of sleeping. Instead, He has been getting me up early!

I have never been (voluntarily) an early riser. But He has given me the faith to set my alarm for 5am every day so I can get most of my daily chores done and have an hour for quiet time with Him before the kids get up. And I am experiencing that burst of energy that He promised me! I am still often tired during the day, but not more than before. And I am so much more relaxed with the kids because I am able to get so much more done. I don't feel pressure during the day to try to get so much done while they're clinging to my legs (which just drives me crazy) and instead I can sit down and take more time with them during the day. I'm also slowly starting to be able to get control of some other organizing and cleaning projects that I haven't been able to get to for a long time.

I am so grateful that the Lord is meeting me in this totally unexpected way. I am still taking naps each day (totally crashing for an hour or two in the afternoons is a better way to put it), but I am in a better mood overall and feeling more hope than I have for a long time. In fact, I look forward to waking up each morning to have those uninterrupted hours of feeling good and getting stuff done!

My prayer for you is this: that you will open up your heart to the Lord in full trust, asking Him for what you really want and need. He wants to meet you there! I pray that the answer will come quickly and that you will be given the faith to step out and do what He says, even if the answer isn't what you expected.

Oh, how He loves us!

Receiving

As I have practiced and pondered what Christina wrote about, I have begun to experience a new level of openness to the Lord throughout the day. I want to share with you a word that I received for a friend, but I feel applies to all of us as moms and pursuers of God.

"Refreshing, strengthening. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. He desires to refresh you in the midst of the day-to-day. Turn your heart toward Him, trustingly, and let Him fill you. He has little surprises hidden throughout the day to delight you. You do not need to strive for them; simply open your heart to receive them. Take a moment now and then to stop what you are doing, lift your thoughts to Him, and receive what He has for you. It may seem like work at first, but it's not. It's letting go. He has more for you than you have even thought to ask for. Receive."

Be refreshed today!

Daily Receiving Practice

Here is a guest post by Christina Lovell. She is sharing what God spoke to her through Caron Loveless at a recent women's meeting at The Rock of Roseville. I have been trying this for the past few weeks and it is impacting my perspective already!

"We can not give what we do not have."

In the Old Testament, the first five of the Ten Commandments are about loving God first. The last five are about loving others. In the New Testament, JESUS gave a new commandment, "... that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another" (John 13:34, NKJV).

Loving others is how we show that we love God. We are loving God by loving others. Loving Others = Loving God. But it is impossible to do this without receiving HIS love first. As humans our love leaks. Our love is handicapped (due to such things as life wounds, ways we were mistreated, how we were raised, when we were not shown God's love, etc.)

Try this "Daily Receiving Practice" each day to RECEIVE His love for you personally. Out of His love, we can then love others.

Each day, take five minutes to sit in a quiet place. Lie down and close your eyes. (As women, if we sit up and look around, we can get distracted by what needs to be done around us.) Do not worship, try to press in, or pray. Simply say "Lord, You see me here. You love me completely." Breathe His love in, and breathe it out.

Then, throughout the day, look for moments HE will give to extend HIS love to others. At night write down how you loved that day. If there were times you missed it, JESUS replies, you must have forgotten how much I love you! Love better next time.

This has truly changed my life. I sit to receive His love even if I've missed my quiet time before our children get up. I remember one morning. as I sat receiving, I heard our children running toward me. I said, "Lord, here they come!" And HE said, "I will pour my love out on you even if you cannot give Me the five minutes. Because you have chosen the better part, to receive, I will freely give what you need in a moment of time."

Share this practice with your children. Do it together! You will be surprised at the unity and love they will have for their brothers, sisters, and God. Remember, "We love HIM because HE first loved us" (1 John 4:19). Receive His love together and then see how it flows out to one another.

"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:12-13).

"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love" (John 15:9).

"... the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13).

"Let all that you do be done with love" (1Corinthians 16:14).

Desire

I have felt God call my heart to deeper intimacy. As a wife and mother, I have also felt that this was not practical for me at this time in my life. Having a short devotional time in the morning was often more than I could manage. So, for a couple of years, I tried to tell my heart to wait until my children are older. Finally, I could no longer stand it. In desperation, I cried out to God to show me how I can pursue Him even now.

I have talked with other moms who tell me that they feel the same way. One mom shared that God showed her that her children are like weights strapped to her arms and legs. She cried out to God, how do you expect me to run the race with so much to carry? He told her that she would not run fast, but she would become strong. So this blog is for any mom who, like me, needs the encouragement of others on this race (sometimes it feels like an obstacle course!) of godly motherhood.

I love this quote from Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ by Jeanne Guyon:

“. . . you may feel that you simply are not one of those people capable of a deep experience with Jesus Christ. Most Christians do not feel that they have been called to a deep, inward relationship to their Lord. But we have all been called to the depths of Christ just as surely as we have been called to salvation."

If all have been called, then that includes moms. I believe that mothers do not have to wait until their children are grown to pursue God in a deeper way. Let us encourage each other so that we will not grow weary on this journey alone.

Lord, it is so difficult for us as moms to commit to anything for ourselves. Give us a holy determination to push through every obstacle. Begin to transform our perspective. Show us how much more You have for us, even today.

(Originally posted 7/24/06)

The Most Important Person

The following was shared by a new friend of mine. Thanks, Monica!

The Most Important Person
on earth is a mother. She
cannot claim the honor of
having built Notre Dame Cathedral.
She need not.
She has built something more magnificent
than any cathedral-a dwelling for an
immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby's
body…The angels have not been blessed with such a
grace. They cannot share in God's creative miracle
to bring new saints to Heaven.
Only a human mother can. Mothers
are closer to God the Creator
than any other creature;
God joins forces with mothers
in performing this act of creation…
What on God's good earth is more glorious than this:
to be a mother?

-Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty

Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty's respect for Mothers was deep and abiding. He wrote one book on a Mother and had planned two more; however, his imprisonment by the Nazis and then the Communists prevented the completion of his work.

Invisible Mother

This story encouraged me today. I hope it will you, too.

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store.

Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'

Obviously, not.

No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all.

I'm invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated sum a cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going; she's going; she is gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England ..

Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in.

I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself.

I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.'

It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe .

I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription:

'To Charlotte , with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:

No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.

These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished.

They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.

The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.' And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place.

It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on.

The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'you're going to love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right.

And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

A Lily Among Thorns

This is an excerpt from my journal that I thought might be an encouragement to you.

"Like a lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters" (Song of Solomon 2:2 NKJV).

Jesus, You have long know this about me (which I am just finding out about myself), that I am a lily which grows best among thorns. If I were in a greenhouse, pampered under ideal conditions, then I would grow more and more arrogant, self-satisfied, discontented, and weak. One blast of a cold, north wind and I would wither away. Instead, because You love me and desire my love, You have placed me whee I must struggle to see the sun. You have planted me where I have to push my roots down deep to stay steady. Because of this, I long for You will all my being. I get up early to catch a few minutes' sunlight in the morning. I set aside a few other pleasures so that I may seek a few evening rays as well. I feed on You, drinking deeply of the water of life whenever I find a pocket in the soil.

If my life was easier, I wouldn't be so desperate for You. If You spoiled me, I would grow cold toward You. As it is, I find my joy increasing. As my circumstances require me to depend more on You and less on myself, my passion and contentment grow.

You, my Beloved, are like an apple tree among the trees of the woods. I sit down in Your shade with great delight, and Your fruit is sweet to my taste (from Song 2:3). Thank You for planting me here in this high, mountain valley, sheltered in Your presence (see Psalm 91:1).

Reality Check

While I was in the prayer room this morning, I wrote the following thoughts in my journal and shared them in our meeting afterward. They were encouraging to me and seemingly to others also, so I thought I would post them here as well.

If it takes all of God's power to live this everyday life, then even the very practical, "unspiritual" things I do must be very significant. What I do seems so unimportant on an eternal level. But how does heaven see it? With every load of laundry that I wash and fold, while I see only another shirt or pair of underwear, what do the angels see? If I do it with a resentful attitude, then they see only wood, hay, and stubble. (And who wants to fold that?) But if I humble myself to do the most menial chores as a sacrifice of love for Jesus and my family--even if I am struggling to maintain that attitude (it still counts)--then I am actually handling gold and silver and precious stones (see 1 Corinthians 3:9-13).

Even further, if I see the ones I am serving as who they really are, then I will tremble with awe at the privilege of being allowed to untie the sandals of these precious, glorious, beloved ones (see John 1:27).