Cooler weather.  Cozy sweaters.  Fall decor.  Pumpkin spice – I LOVE September and the onset of fall.  I also love getting back into a routine – the pulling out of schoolbooks, sharpening of pencils, setting up of school desks.  But with the onset of routine can come the drudgery of the mundane.  The sharpened pencils become dull.  The school desks become messy.  And so begins a cycle of such repetitiveness that if we’re not careful, can mistakingly be viewed as unimportant.  

So as we settle into new routines over the next few weeks, let us remember to be faithful in the seemingly “small” things.  I’m reminded of the boy, who only had a few loaves and fish, when Jesus wanted to feed the great crowd of people.  The disciples, despite having witnessed Jesus perform countless miracles, wondered, “…but what good are these for so many people?”  (John 6:9)  Aren’t we tempted to look at our contribution or responsibilities in much the same way: as too small, too menial, or not enough?  And yet, from the contribution of just one small boy, when placed in the hands of Christ, many were fed.  Many were blessed.  Many witnessed the power and compassion of Christ.  With that in mind, and in that spirit, may we remember to say, “Lord, here I am.  Even  in the mundane, all that I am, all that I have, all that I do, I place into Your hands for the glory of God.”  

My mom recently shared this with her family:
“When God asks you to do something for Him, your call might seem small.  Often God asks of you something that is quite unspectacular; minuscule in scope; and not particularly noteworthy.  You want to play first violin in the orchestra.  You’d even be willing to play second violin.  But God asks you to be the curtain-puller.  Pulling the curtain is not at all what you had in mind.  Nevertheless, be the best curtain puller you can be.  The concert will not go on without you.  When the orchestra members are seated and looking spiffy in their tuxedos and gowns, they can’t be seen if you don’t do your job.  The maestro won’t mount the podium and conduct the symphony without you.  Give what you have to God.  Nothing is too small for God’s hands.”  (Moments of Peace in the Presence of God by Bethany House Publishers) 

She wrote, “Precious family – let us humble ourselves before the Lord and not look down upon the tasks that He gives to us.  Do them with a joyful heart: changing diapers, cleaning the house, sliding under your car to change the oil; whatever it is, this is how the Bible tells us to look at it: “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (Colossians 3:23)  That says it all!  No job is too menial!  Have a blessed week, dear family, in ALL that you do!  You are loved beyond measure!”

And you, friend, are loved beyond measure.  Commit your work to the Lord, place that “small” thing into the hands of Christ, and “pull the curtain” for the glory of God!