This summer after finishing a job I loathed, and gambling for joy by pursuing other part-time jobs that I would love, I have found myself working a smattering of odd, and whimsical jobs that have filled me with peace, and taught me quite a bit.
One of the jobs that I have been working, has been cleaning rooms for a local motel. This cozy little small-town inn is so utterly sweet that I just find myself smiling away the mornings that I work there. Every day, I head in for an hour or two to clean the six rooms that make up this little place.
Every time I open up the door to a room I am usually greeted with disarray in various forms. Some rooms have just a little water stain on the sink, and a dirty washcloths. Other rooms have blood spattered on the sheets from a runny nose, and overflowing wastebasket. I have found that there is no way to predict what any one room will look like. I cannot say with consistency what it will be like when I first step in the room, but I know what it will look like when I leave for the day, after I have cleaned it.
It is my job to step into those rooms–be they filthy or clean–and create a place of cleanliness, peacefulness, and freshness for when the visitors return. No matter what happened in the last twenty-four hours, it is up to me to get that room back to absolute perfection for them, every day.
And I love doing it. I adore the fresh, white towels. I take pride in setting out the lotion, and shampoo just right. And when I leave, I look back with a great deal of satisfaction that things are clean, and pristine.
I cannot help relating this feeling to God’s way of dealing with us, every day.
“Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! I say: The LORD is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in Him” -Lamentations 3:22-24 (HCSB)
Every day, just like how I refresh these rooms, God is renewing his love for me. No matter what state my heart is in, or what has happened the day before–the Lord quietly steps into my heart, and He brings clean towels with Him.
I know He is acquainted with towels, for He used them to wash His disciples’ feet a long time ago.
God lavishes new beginnings, and fresh new starts on us. Even when we do not deserve them. He quietly goes about setting our heart to rights, when we invite Him in.
So, today, don’t be tempted to put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door. When He knocks, let Him in.
I recently just went through the same process. Quit my job in hopes of finding the Joy that I’ve been missing. It’s amazing that in a great career opportunity I wasn’t happy. Then moving onto more simpler tasks,babysitting, cleaning, mowing, I found more excitement and joy than ever before. I think it’s because I thrive in these situations. The ones that I have to fully rely on God for my next pay day and even call out to him to show me more jobs. Amazing huh? Glad I’m not the only one. Loved this post. Very encouraging and inspiring!
It takes a lot of courage to quit a job that makes more money in order to search for one that makes more joy. I think it is so important to work jobs that give you energy rather than take it away, and I think you are right about relying on God bringing peace as well. When I quit my very good job this summer, I just made it a point to cling to faith that God had something lined up for me–and He did not disappoint! Sounds like we have a lot in common. Thanks for stopping by Chelsea, and for the encouragement!
What a wonderful post and thanks so much for sharing .x
So glad you enjoyed it, Hannah! Thanks for stopping by!
Lovely post, Bethany. I can see that you are your mother’s daughter. And I’ve not met either of you except here. 🙂
Lily
Thanks for stopping by, Lily! It is good to meet, if only via blogging. I relish in the fact that I am my mother’s daughter. Thanks for the compliment!
I just feel the freshness here, God’s mercys and those nice clean sheets and towels. Five Minute Friday Friend
Thanks for the comment, Lizzy! There is just so much joy, and peace in knowing that God can bring that level of freshness to our lives. Blessings to you, Five Minute Friday Friend!
Oh Bethie. This is so beautiful. Just the metaphor of God stopping in with those fresh towels, ready to clean up our hearts. What a beautiful heart you have, to even envision such a thing. And I love that verse. I am so proud of you. And I love these 5-Minute Friday postings of yours.
Thanks, Mom! I quite enjoy the Five Minute Fridays…you should try one sometime. They are just a lot of fun to write.
I loved this post. It’s beautiful to have pride in work, even work that some would consider menial. What a wonderful attitude you have and I have a sneaky feeling where you got it from…
Now, to whom could you be referring? 😉 Thanks for the sweet comment.
I can relate to your posting. I have also shifted my work within the past year to focus more on being authentic to my calling and what I feel I should be doing. It is absolutely a wonderful feeling. Good luck as you continue your journey and “new beginnings.” – Sarah (stopping by from Five Minute Friday.)
It takes guts, and determination to choose to change your job–doesn’t it Sarah? But it definitely pays off in the end. Good luck to you in your new endeavors, and thanks for stopping by!