Hard work, beautiful lessons

Less than a month till I head back to Grace. I don't feel ready. This summer has flown, and I have enjoyed the freedom of each day being different... routines no longer exist. Each day is filled with new surprises, new interactions, fun phone calls/skypes, more novel ways of spending time with my parents, and learning the benefit of being thrifty. I am feeling stretched in ways that are long overdue... and I am rejoicing in growth. Always.

One of my seven odd jobs this summer includes working as "in home help" for an older couple I know from church. When I was first asked to do the job, I was feeling very apprehensive. Cooking, cleaning, and household-y type things are not "up my alley" shall we say...

But in going with my goal this summer, I chose to say yes. I trusted that if they thought I was capable of these tasks, then surely I could handle what they asked. I prefaced my "yes" with a disclaimer that I am not the most capable house help they could hire. They graciously listened, then said they wanted me anyway. Humbling.

Five hours a week I find myself at this loving couple's disposal. My hours are theirs and I do what they ask willingly and quickly to the best of my ability. I must trust that the tasks they give to me are tasks that I am actually capable of doing... frequently I am "first-timing" different tasks, like canning applesauce or taking care of a particular part of the garden, or doing laundry their way.

When I sheepishly admit to never having done a certain task, they never even roll their eyes. They patiently show me... just enough for me to understand. Then I do what they have showed me, and they celebrate my progress. Sometimes I wonder who really is getting help here...

I love when we wrestle through a task together... sploshing applesauce over the stove, tending spiny rosebushes, or hanging shirts up to dry. Each day is different. But all I am required to do is show up and do my work well.

During a particularly difficult or frustrating task, I will often chant to myself, "Excellence. Excellence in all things. Excellence." I revel in doing a task to the best of my ability. To leave the house knowing that I have worked my hardest.

The past few times I have been overwhelmed with how much this couple has represented Christ to me. Not just in our beautiful, joyful conversations, but in the way they mirror Him to me. All He asks is obedience. Excellence in the work I do. Trust that He knows best... and all I need to do is follow joyfully.

There is joy in hard work. There is joy in obedience.