Do the Work

If something is difficult for you consider two things: The first is it is difficult to do because it is worth doing.

I read a quote the other day, "Let’s allow our tables to distress at their own pace, as a result of years of real conversation and sometimes awkward – not so picture perfect – meals." There is something holistic and beautiful about the long obedience—parenting children, crafting a book, making a well-made meal, sanctification. These things, as Lindford Detweiler said, "do the work in us." We need them to do the work in us. Simply because they are difficult, doesn't mean they ought to be avoided.

The second thing to consider is the task is difficult for you because you are not the best person to do the work.

There is no shame in not being the right person for a particular task or creation or job. If you have something to say, but struggle to form the written words necessary to say it, consider that God might have designed you to live that something, instead of write it. If you yearn to make furniture or meals or art—and yet they don't come easily and somewhat naturally, consider that you are not meant to make furniture or art or meals. But perhaps you are meant to make people laugh or to be a good storyteller. Or perhaps you are simply meant to make a good cup of tea and set a place at your table for someone who needs to be listened to.

Jesus swept sawdust for 30 years before His public ministry.

That comforts me so many times in so many ways. Sweeping sawdust was what His Father called Him to do, faithful and steady, until His Father was ready for Him to do good works of a different sort.

Embrace the difficult work of today. It is working in you a more lasting treasure.