We clean and we clean, and nothing ever stays done. We clean and we clean, and no one ever seems to appreciate it. It's easy to cop a bad attitude if you dwell on that fact.

God has placed us in our homes to be homeworkers, and we need to keep our focus in the right direction. Psalm 16:6 says that the lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good heritage. (Amp. Bible) Do you really believe that the lines have fallen in good places for you -- even while you are doing housework -- the job that seems so "thankless"?

Jesus calls us to be faithful in the small things. Luke 16:10 says that he who is faithful in the very little things is faithful in much. Sometimes the small things for us may be cleaning the toilet, wiping a runny nose, filling up a sippy cup, or taking out the trash. You see, those "little things" do matter to God. God entrusts the little things to our care to teach each of us faithfulness in bigger things. He also wants you to see how even those little things can have an eternal effect.

Matt. 25:34-36 says "...for I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me." (NIV) Think of it this way: When you give your child a bath, you do it for Jesus. When you scrub the stains that are so often on the clothing of small children, you do it for Jesus. When you sew a button on hubby's shirt, you do it for Jesus. Even speaking a word of encouragement to someone can have an eternal impact.

A word of caution though - Col. 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord, as a reward. It is the Lord you are serving." (NIV) So, what is your motive and your attitude when you do these "little things"? If we grumble and complain, or do it to receive the applause of man, we can't expect a reward.

Let's look at some of the things which Jesus did. 1. He helped to settle arguments between people. (Mk 9:34-35) Any mothers out there who have done that recently? :-) 2. He served a meal to others. (Jn. 6:11) 3. He even cleaned house, so to speak. (Jn. 2:15-16) 4. He washed feet. (Jn. 13:5) Do you see it? Jesus did the SAME LITTLE THINGS which we are doing, and we get the privilege of doing them on a daily basis!

Get this in your spirit, and remember that when you are cleaning the house, you are doing it for Jesus, and He does care that you are doing it, He does see that you are doing it, and He does appreciate that you are doing it, as long as you do it with a joyful heart, and with the right motive. I had to learn this recently because I was really getting a bad attitude. It has really changed my way of thinking. I have a whole new attitude when I approach housework now, and it is absolutely wonderful!

That's all for this time. I think I'll go scrub a toilet! :-)

FOR YOU AND   FOR ME.....