Hard work

I've written about my love for slow living before. And that's still true. I enjoy doing things by hand, bit by bit. I just finished knitting my first sweater. I meal plan for two weeks at a time so we're not scrambling to find something to eat at supper time (or at least there's minimal scrambling). I write letters and send packages in the mail.

But lately, I'm not eager to do the hard work.

I yearn for communion with the Lord, and yet I don't commit to daily time with Him.

I yearn to feel well-rested, and yet I'm not disciplined about my bedtime.

I yearn for better time management, and yet I spend too much time on social media.

I yearn for further community with loved ones (near and far), and yet I struggle to set a coffee date or pick up the phone to call.

I yearn for a simpler lifestyle, and yet I go shopping and covet things I don't have or need.

Generally, I'm not resting well, not working well, and toiling somewhere in between. I don't want to simply acknowledge this and continue this behavior. I want to acknowledge this and grow. In Paul's letter to the Thessalonians, he (and Timothy and Silvanus) write to encourage them, saying this:

We remember, in the presence of our God and Father, your work of faith , labor of love , and endurance of hope in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 1:3

All of the things they write about are described by the effort they require. He writes of the work of faith, labor of love, and endurance of hope.

Let this be said:

Intentional, hard work in the mundane areas of our lives can bring glory to God.

I love this quote from Charles Spurgeon:

So, to commit to this hard work requires earnest, hard work, and a generous measure of grace. Let's be encouraged and get to work. And let it be heart work.