Proverbs 31: The Worth of Her Work

This article is a part of my Proverbs 31 on the Farm series.  I intended to write about Preparation and Perseverance.  And I really like the verse for this month, it's very inspiring:

But I feel like I may be the last person qualified to write this.  I want to avoid just another "You should work hard because it's a blessing to your family" post.  And even though our work is a blessing to others, sometimes I can't see the blessing in another sinkful of dishes.  I just can't...

But something I read recently in "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers really struck my heart.  He says:

You have inherited the Divine nature, says Peter (v.4 ), now screw your attention down and form habits, give diligence, concentrate.  "Add"means all that character means. 

No man is born either naturally or supernaturally with character, he has to make character.  Nor are we born with habits; we have to form habits on the basis of the new life God has put into us.  We are not meant to be illuminated version, but the common stuff of ordinary life exhibiting the marvel of the grace of God. 

Drudgery is the touchstone of character.  The great hindrance in spiritual life is that we will look for big things to do.  "Jesus took a towel... and began to wash the disciples feet."

There are times when there is no illumination and no thrill, but just the daily round, the common task.  Routine is God's way of saving us between our times of inspiration.  Do not expect God always to give you His thrilling minutes, but learn to live in the domain of drudgery by the power of God.

It is the "adding" that is difficult.  We say we do not expect God to carry us to heaven on flowery beds of ease, and yet we act as if we did! 

The tiniest detail in which I obey has all the omnipotent power of the grace of God behind it.  If I do my duty, not for duty's sake, but because I believe God is engineering my circumstances, then at the very point of my obedience the whole superb grace of God is mine through the Atonement.

"If I do my duty, not for duty's sake, but because I believe God is engineering my circumstances..." Isn't that awesome?  I can find my purpose and my worth in knowing that God is using my everyday to exhibit His grace.
Oswald says elsewhere in the book that we have very few "mountain-top" experiences, but we need to bring the mountain-top down with us while we live out life in the valley.  I need to remember that I am not just working to fulfill my duty but because God is building my character in the daily round, the common task.  And I need to learn to live in the domain of drudgery by the power of God!






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*After I wrote this I found this post with a similar sentiment that you might find encouraging.
Why Moms Need to Reboot