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This Little Life

 Sometimes I wonder at this little life. What am I even doing here and why does it matter? My life contains little or nothing that would interest a biographer, no great discoveries or acts of heroism. Sleeping, waking, praying, reading, dishes, vacuuming, working, exercising, going to church, family and friends, checking the mail and taking out the trash, these are the everyday and every week things. 

The stuff that would not interest a biographer is precisely what has interested God. Reading through 1 Chronicles, I've been introduced to a number of people with little lives--lives not so unlike mine--who have been remembered. In chapter 4:9-10 we meet Jabez, who's name means pain but he was honourable and wanted to be kept from harm and pain, so he prayed, "And God granted what he asked."  4:21 tells of linen workers, 4:23 tells of potters who were in the king's service, 4:42-43 tells of Simeonites who destroyed the remaining Amalekites (the people that Saul was supposed to destroy and didn't). 5:20 tells how the people of Gad defeated their enemies because "they cried out to God in the battle, and he granted their urgent plea because they trusted him." Chapter 6 tells about the singers who "ministered with song before the tabernacle" (6:31). These stories are found within genealogies, and the genealogies themselves are list after list of names, both of men and women; names of people I don't know and will not remember, but the simple fact that they are written in the inspired word of Almighty God is a testament that God remembers, God knows, God cares. 

And that has been hugely encouraging to me this week, as I go about my own little life. 

I am not like Nahshon, who was a prince of his people (1 Chronicles 2:10). No, my life is not nearly so glamourous. I bet yours isn't either. 

But maybe our lives are like Jabez's and the people of Gad, who prayed and God heard them because they trusted Him, and He granted their requests. 

Maybe our lives are like the linen and pottery workers who are remembered. After all, isn't your work also in the King's service? I don't know how to make linen or pottery, but I bet it isn't overly exciting or tidy...just everyday work. That's the same with my everyday life. Not overly exciting or tidy, in fact, it's pretty messy and ordinary, but when I remember that I do it in the King's service, I find joy in doing the daily tasks, knowing Who I am working for and Who is watching me and helping me. 

To know and trust God and to work in His service is the greatest position any created being can have, and that is my station. Working for the King of Heaven Who is also my Heavenly Father, nothing can compare. 

For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favour and honour. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trust in You! Psalm 84:10-12 ESV



What I'm Reading Lately 

    • Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy. I loved this one and stayed up way to late reading it. 
    • The Crown and the Crucible by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella. This novel is about Russia before communism. I'm not too far into it yet. 
    • Gospel Patrons by John Rinehart was my Sunday read and I really enjoyed it. If you're looking for some encouragement from church history, I recommend this one. 
    • Sarah Edwards Delighting in God by Sharon James is my new Lord's Day read. 
    • Upon Waking by Jackie Hill Perry is a helpful and thought provoking daily devotional (which I don't do every day, but that's ok.) 
    • Out of the Silent Planet by CS Lewis. I'm listening to this one and it's done very well...so if you're looking for a new audio book...

What I'm Enjoying Lately 

    • Potatoes. What a gift from the Lord!
    • Music by Austin Farwell. It's all instrumental.  
    • Lemons in my water 
    • The music students. This is my favourite year of teaching so far. 
    • Reading. For a while I was watching more TV than reading, but I'm back on the reading train. 
    • Going out for breakfast with my nieces (friends' kids). We discussed Charlotte's web.  


"Though dour and childless himself, the grocer was unfailingly kind and patient with children. As though instead of having none, he had them all." Louise Penny The Madness of Crowds, pg 160

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