Obedience and Results

 He has made everything beautiful in His time.  Ecc 3:11

Today I am adjusting.  I am adjusting to reality after a 10 day "break" visiting family in Ohio.  As much as this wasn't the idealistic vacation sipping drinks on the beach under an umbrella while the waves gently broke on the sand - it was time with family, laughter, watching kids play, naps, more laughter, and just being together.  

I always seem to have a hard time getting back into the swing.  There is always so much energy in getting ready for the trip.  Then during the trip - the ability to relax and enjoy each other.  My boys were almost always occupied in play with my sister's kids - or we were on an adventure of some sort.  Just the change of scenery and temperatures were a real treat.  

But now it's back to reality. Back to planning for school that starts next week for us.  Back to getting ready for a baby boy due in just a few weeks. Back to Jeremy being at work until 6 in the evening. Back to planning dinner, making dinner, and cleaning up after dinner.  All the mundane things that can get a mom down - it can lead to trudgery.  

BUT GOD.

Those two words change a life.  They change the story. They changed the world.  They have changed me.  Those small two words are so powerful. 

Today, while reading my Proverbs 31 devotion the writer discussed how God used her to create something huge. She said something very powerful - the words jumped off of the screen and stuck in my heart - "My job was obedience. God's job is results." 

 Last week on our vacation I had a hard time.  (Mom - if you're reading this don't freak out. :) ) I felt bummed because a certain person in our family was doing a huge thing.  A thing that was brand new to her and she succeeded TREMENDOUSLY!!! She made her mark. She did so much more than she set out to accomplish.  I was and am so proud of her.  However, I got lost in the pity party of self... not seeing my life as having much importance.  I was bummed about not having time to exercise like I want to.  I was bummed about not having the funds to go to a gym. I was bummed about not having a significant accomplishment in my 30s (which I might add, are quickly slipping away).  I was bummed about not getting words of affirmation.  

Then I was so gently reminded by my Heavenly Father - with a whisper in my heart - that I was doing what He wanted me to do.  I was right where He wanted me. He has blessed me with so much.  My striving and my selfish pity party were clouding my focus and my purpose.  All I am supposed to be concerned with is that I am being obedient to what God has for me.  God's job is the results.  And His results will bring Him glory.  If I receive blessings along the way - that is the cream.  But I have to step back and reassess my goals.  Are my goals to be in the best shape of my life (not that that is a bad thing to strive after) - or is my goal to make sure that my kids are trained in the fear and admonition of the Lord?  Is my goal to keep up with the Jones' in having the newest stuff or do the most popular thing, or is my goal to model contentedness in every situation I am because I have been blessed by God.   Is my goal earthly accomplishments and accolades, or is my goal heavenly focused?  Is my goal human words of affirmation, or is my goal "well done, my good and faithful servant?"  

My ego is so much less important that God's glory.  My purpose for living is to bring Him glory.  And right now He receives glory when I am a mother cleaning up after a mess, or washing, drying and putting away laundry with the right attitude.  He receives glory when I seek His face in the big things and little things.  He receives glory when I obey Him.  My job is obedience.  His job is the results.