Every once in a while I get to the point where I don’t think I can take it anymore. Take what, you ask? Cleaning!
I know I’ve written about this before. Once in my book for sure. I remember as if it were yesterday- the disappointment, the tears: that day I found out I Didn’t Get the Job. Maybe I’ve written about it on this blog. It’s something that crosses my mind occasionally, only at the present time I feel I couldn’t despise it more.
When I go to work, I clean. When I get home, I clean. On a lot of my days off, I clean and if I don’t? Then later I really have to clean. I don’t get to enjoy it. All this cleaning I do and then I leave because the job’s done or I get home and it’s never ever “done”.
Now I’m not trying to be ungrateful. I’m thankful I can get out of the bed and walk in the morning- that I can do this cleaning biz every single day of my life. (OK, still sarcasm there but by the time I finish writing this it’ll be gone.)
I’ve gone back and forth with the “do what makes you happy” thing today. I know it isn’t about my happiness. You grin and bear it. You do it as you’re doing it unto the Lord, not men. (You’ll see the irony of this in a minute.)
These cleaning gigs have allowed me to be mom, wife, daughter, sister and aunt first. This line of work is flexible and gives me freedom. If anyone knows me well enough, they know that’s exactly what I need, yet I cringe at the very thought of cleaning one more thing!
So, as they say, I did a thing today. I got online at a job website, filled out an application and sent my resume in. Then I found a job that I’d just been thinking about 3 days ago!
I made passwords, reset passwords, set up an account along with a password for that. Later on I went back when I had more time and guess what? I can’t log in. Too many attempts. Email already used, other email already used, wrong password, enable Javascript. I don’t even know what Javascript is for goodness sake. I watched a video on how to enable it. Oh, you have to find how to enable it on Microsoft Edge with Windows 10. I give up! I gave up.
A few minutes before, I sent my daughter out to the car to get my Bible case that had my notebook in it. Surely to goodness my old email password would be in there. That’s a negative.
I sat in my recliner with tears in my eyes and looked at my Bible case. I pulled the Trusty Book out. The Lord knows when I’m desperate. I didn’t even pray my famous, “Lord, lead me to what You’d have for me to hear” prayer.
I opened and my eyes fell upon Colossians 4:17-18 (NKJ) 17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” 18 This salutation by my own hand –Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.
OK. So right now I’m Archippus, I gather. I cried (of course). The question is, is this cleaning thing my ministry or does it allow me the time (I don’t always use wisely) to write? Or is it both?
In the meantime, that huge chunk of irony I spoke of earlier? It’s not irony at all- it’s the Lord. It is in the column right next to where my eyes fell first.
Colossians 3:23 (NKJ) And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.
Good ole Paul. Even in his chains he was encouraging others. Even all these years later his obedience to the Lord has made a huge difference in our lives. Maybe one day, many years from now, some of my words will have a positive impact on someone. Maybe even today.
Thank you for reading. Good night.
At the risk of self-promoting, I think you might relate to my post “On Being Transparent,” which begins with “I don’t do windows.” https://wordpress.com/post/seekingdivineperspective.com/108
I hate cleaning, too, and I can’t imagine doing more than my own house(s). I’m retired now, but I was a teacher, because I’d rather face a room full of middle- or high school kids than a room full of dust and grime. π )
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Thank you for your reply! I’ll check out your post. I don’t do fake flowers and blinds are extra π. I’ll continue doing what I have to do until the Lord opens the door for something different. Thanks again π
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