I can’t stop thinking about him. 

Last week I wrote about a man who made a positive impact on others because of the way he approached his workday. My husband met him on a hospital elevator and in a matter of seconds, this man touched the lives of myriad others.

No, he wasn’t a doctor, nurse, or other medical personnel. He wasn’t an administrator. In fact, his work falls into the “invisible” category—you would only notice if it wasn’t done.

Because of this man, the hospital is a more pleasant place to be. The floors stay shiny and the trashcans don’t overflow.

Families in distress don’t have to think twice about finding a restroom with plenty of paper towels and toilet paper.

Not a glamorous job.

But with every push of the broom and trip to the maintenance closet, this person glorifies the Lord—“I’m doin’ the Lord’s work.”

Today, as I attacked the laundry and stared down the dishes in the sink, I thought of him. Is this the Lord’s work? Does my attitude toward household chores make a difference? Really, Lord? When I’m scrubbing the ring in the toilet, I’m serving You? When I’m cleaning messes made by others, You can be glorified?

Teaching Sunday school, now that’s the Lord’s work. Preparing for a drama at church? Yep. Visiting the hospital or nursing home? Of course.

But the everyday yucky stuff of life?  Dirty dishes, floors, and toilets?

As soon as the question rattled around in my brain, that verse—you know the one—tackled my thoughts and brought purpose to the mundane.

Colossians 3:23-24 filled my heart—especially the last phrase. “It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

The toughest part of our Christ-walk is the time in the trenches. The times when no one is watching and there are no accolades. When our work is invisible and doesn’t seem to matter to anyone—except for the King of Kings.

• When your boss is unreasonable and your stress-level skyrockets—It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
• When you just changed a dirty diaper, then clothed and strapped the baby in the car seat—only to smell another “blowout”—It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
• When your class of 3^rd-graders will not stop talking/fidgeting—It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
• When you are the caregiver for a loved one with dementia and he doesn’t even know your name—It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Oh friend in the trenches…

He knows, He cares, and His Spirit provides an endless supply of strength.

Can you hear His sweet voice?

Consider my servant,  (your name)  .  See how she honors Me!

 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24 NIV)

Do you ever feel your work is invisible? What helps you to remember your purpose in Christ? Feel free to comment below or to share a prayer request. Have a blessed week!

Joyfully,

Leigh Ann 🙂