It’s diapers at dawn and diapers at dusk. And a whole lot more in between.
As a follower of Jesus, I didn’t see this coming. This call to be a disciple of the mundane—changing diapers on a big kid, suctioning, stretching limbs, giving meds.
Sometimes it crosses my mind—aren’t there more lofty callings I’m equipped for? What about the other gifts God has given me? And then Calvin’s alarm goes off and I return to suctioning.
This is what my heavenly Father wants me to do.
This?
It’s not glamorous, easy, or noteworthy.
But according to Him, it is necessary. Not only necessary for my son, but necessary for me. This is the way it pleases God to have me reflect His glory.
Perhaps this is not a life of mundane He’s given, but a way to learn the blessing of obedience. A way to learn the posture of obedience modeled by Christ. A place to find joy in being faithful when nobody is watching. A way to experience the joy of Jesus in places where the world finds little worth.
Most days my list of accomplishments are very modest. The new medical supplies are ordered and stocked, 31 doses of medication given, respiratory treatments finished, Calvin’s airway kept clear, a few books read and a little fun had.
Jesus isn’t looking for flashy, He’s looking for faithful. He sees you and me, tucked away from the public eye and ministering to our kids’ unique needs. The faithful, sacrificial care we give to our kids each day doesn’t need to make the front page or “go viral”; the Creator of the universe knows and it glorifies Him.
And because he knows we are tempted to give up on this “mundane” (and often exhausting!) calling, Jesus invites us to come to Him in our weakness and fill ourselves up with His strength. He equips us to do the very thing He desires from us: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:13). And again, “Whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:10b).
It’s time for me to take out the trash from the day—diapers, medical supplies and all. Whatever it is that you or I need to do next, remember that we glorify God and experience joy as we lean on Jesus to faithfully serve, no matter how mundane or unrecognized the task.
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