This is best $35 I’ve ever spent on vacation.
The boy spent his day casting away using the net we bought at the beach last year. Casting isn’t easy with all the coordination it requires…and we sort of bought a net that was a touch too big even for this growing kid.
But, he kept at it in a tide pool that is no more than knee deep and with his prospects only being to catch a few small minnows and more than his share of sandy mud. Fish we won’t eat or use for bait, and ones that his mama won’t let him keep. But he kept casting, eagerly looking for a prized catch – even if he can only relish it for a few minutes.
As I watched him today from the comfort of my chair, I wondered if I work that hard when I know the return on my efforts is going to be small. Am I willing to put in the time casting away when I know I’m not reeling in any big fish?
Right on cue, Paul’s call to the Colossians rang in my ears on how I am to view my callings in life.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive your inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24
When no one thanks you for cleaning their dirty dishes – or their toilet, for that matter- you’re serving the Lord. When the people make the application of sunscreen something comparable to bathing a cat and fail to thank you in advance for preventing skin cancer and wrinkles, God sees you working for Him.
When you put in the hours at times when no one is there to notice, God does. And, when you lighten the load of someone who can be difficult to deal with – and who certainly will never notice your assistance – God has His eyes on you.
We’re serving Him in whatever tide pool He has us casting in. Remember that He sees you and that what looks like minnows to us is stuff He’s got a history of turning into big things.
