Becky over at A Covenant Life just made me remember a quote that really encouraged me when I was a young mom. It shot holes in the idea that their is an apex to the Christian life that ends with “holy and spiritual missionary or pastor life,” which would be way more sanctifying than a plain old 9 to 5 job and life. That thinking crept into my life back in our evangelical days and it was such an encouragement to read from Amy Carmichael in A Chance to Die, that I should probably go ahead and change the dirty diaper instead that day.
“Amy was learning that if the Lord of Glory took a towel and knelt on the floor to wash the dusty feet of His disciples , then no work, even the relentless and often messy routine of caring for squalling babies, is demeaning. To offer it up to the Lord of Glory transforms it into a holy task. “Could it be right,” Amy had asked,” to turn from so much that might be of profit and become just nursemaids?” The answer was yes. It is not the business of the servant to decide which work is great, which is small, which important or unimportant–he is not greater than his master. ‘If by doing some work which the undiscerning consider ‘not spiritual work’ I can best help others, and I inwardly rebel, thinking it is the spiritual for which I crave, when in truth it is the interesting and exciting, then I know nothing of Calvary’s love.’”
Turned out dirty diapers and runny noses was the better way for me to learn of Calvary’s love.
What a wonderful reminder. Thank you for the encouragement. Love all you girls from afar.
Every time I see a mother of multiple children I always think she must be an amazing person to be able to care for and understand different stages and different personalities AND make them all get along.