Could I get a hand please?

I’d love help with the dishes. That would be great!

A teen that takes up garbage without being asked? Fantabulous!

A co-worker that goes above and beyond to help “make it happen”. Answered prayer!

As awesome as that all sounds it’s not what I’m referring to.

I’m talking about the kind of hand that occurs when two such appendages come together and clap. When applause breaks what seems like an eternal stony silence because——–

No. One. Notices.

Ever felt that way?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a need to be noticed. I suppose that’s why I (and many other would-be actresses) hit the stage. But if the truth be told, it wasn’t about being noticed.

I wanted to be affirmed.

You too?

Little did I know the greatest role I would play would offer only meager scraps of the affirmation I craved.

Motherhood.

‘Nuf said.

But cherished littles who haven’t a clue regarding daily sacrifice aren’t the only contributors to that silent, empty ache. The silence that screams,

What you’re doing isn’t worthwhile.

The nasty lie doesn’t limit itself to motherhood. Its tentacles reach into plenty of other crevices. Marriages, friendships, work settings. You name it. The deceiver snags terrain wherever He can.

Not only does He try to occupy more geographical territory, He twists, expands and morphs the very nature of the lie into something worse.

You are not worthwhile.

Just wow.

May I tell you something friend? A synonym for affirmation is “stamp of approval”. Here’s the good news (there’s always good news):

God approves!

Oh, how He approves.

But not because of what we do.

Of course it’s a wondrous thing when our “doing” is consecrated to Him. Done for Him. Through Him. Filled with love. Evidenced by joy.

But please tell me I’m not alone when my “doing” leaves me undone.

When I do it grudgingly, last fruits not first fruits. Heavy hands. Heavy heart. Cain-like “sacrifices” that are not pleasing or acceptable. Cain didn’t receive a stamp approval. Surely my sour heart doesn’t either?

So what gives?

What repudiates the lie that what we do and who we are is NOT worthwhile?  NOT worth a stamp of approval. Not worth affirmation. NOT worth the applause of heaven?

Two timbers.

Two timbers hewn into the shape of a “T” that when hoisted toward the sky allowed blood to drain. Blood given in love for the sake of love.

 An acceptable sacrifice.

An offering orchestrated by a Father, Son and Holy Spirit that would break the bonds of a lie so that you and I could know beyond any shadow of a doubt——–

We’re worth it.

When I pause from this crazy, busy life and ponder this fact I can’t help but be caught up in this one thought.

How could I begrudgingly engage in any task?

The answer is I can’t.

Love like that changes us from the inside out.

My only real dilemma is remembering.

Spiritual alzheimers is real.

I need to be intentional about remembering the big picture. What He did. What He does. And what that says about who I am and what I’m called to do. When I do that, He does the rest.

He course corrects my heart.

Would you pause for a moment and remember with me?

“God, there is nothing we can DO to earn your love. You ask only that we believe and receive what you’ve done, and inherently what that means regarding how you feel about us. But there are times that is hard to do. So we give you permission to do in us what you’ve done from the beginning ——– create. Create in us the heart, the belief, the motives, and the enthusiasm that pleases you.”

“Lord, we don’t want to live out our lives grudgingly. Energize, motivate and sustain us in everything we do.”

Always work enthusiastically for the Lord,  for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:58

“Father, when the day’s are hard, the nights are long and when the silence that stems from no applause is deafening— REMIND us of who we and whose we are.”

“You’re my dear Somebody.” Hosea 2:23 (Emphasis mine.)

{Join others and me over at Suzie Eller’s #livefree. The convo today? You guessed it…grudgingly. J }

Your DoAhead Friend,

Cindy