Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:4

This morning my devotion was centered on Phil. 2:4. The text was encouraging those of us who are in a life that is not allowing for grand acts of spirituality…..the ones that are NOT shaking up the world right now…

God sees our hearts, and our daily obedience to Him honors Him even if our life does not exhibit grand gestures. 

 This spoke to me. I don’t feel trapped, but  I do feel a lot of other things: like deep sadness and lament for our current political state, the same sadness for the division growing on my social media feeds as well as my personal life. I feel guilt for not doing things…  

I fall into what Sarah Bessey referred to as a “complicated middle” that” won’t make Facebook rants.” And remember, freedom of speech is not a real thing for teachers.

 I feel angst and restless for things beyond this current season, like faraway missions, and radical career and life changes all in a ravishing pursuit of the Kingdom. Actions that Jesus, for whatever reason, keeps saying,”No,” or “Not yet.” 

I really really really don’t like “Not yet.” 

Despite all my “book learning” and life experience I still listen to lie of a division between the sacred and the profane. 

I took today off to go to a much needed appointment. As a teacher I rarely take days for the doctor for myself. I worry about my students missing instruction and as I read this devotion I had a sneaking sense of guilt for actually not going to work. However, as I prayed through it I kept hearing the words, “small obediences.”

Help me Lord to honor you in small acts of obedience. 

Help me Lord to trust that you do see my heart and recognize the fire there. 

Help me believe that my small obediences are enough. 

As I drove to my appointment I made a list of other things I could do to be productive with the rest of my day. I begrudgingly added chores that would help at home, like laundry and dishes. 

When I walked out of my appointment I had a call from the kid’s school.

I picked Corbin up. Somewhat agitated that my list would be abandoned to another day, but my boy is sick.

We received a positive Strep test and he buried his head under coats while I drove to get a prescription and pick up his sister.

And I am grateful for today. Not that C is sick again, but that in a Grace filled world, I was already off and could pick him up. Grateful for a kind doctor who took care of us. Grateful for a God that still speaks quietly to my heart to show me where He needs my focus and gives me opportunities to live it out. 

Small obediences. 

Washing dishes, doing laundry and cooking dinner everyday after a long day at work. 

Devotions every.single.morning, even when it makes you late

Staying in a career when you are restless and ready for change 

Compassion for every.single.person you face. 

Homework and discipline

Kindness and faith

Maintaining hope for the Kingdom to come.

Small obediences

Beloved by the Father. 

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9