24 comments

Maggie Paulus

When Your Life is Really Wrecky

Posted on 04.25.12 by Maggie Paulus
Topics: Relationship with God

Everyday I do all this cleaning. And it really doesn't matter how spic-n-span I get things the day before, a new day comes and it's not long at all before we've got a big ole' mess on our hands. That's just the way life works. And if I wanted to get all scientificky and smart on you, I'd just refer to this never-ending disarray as the law of entropy. Second law of thermodynamics, I believe. Things always tend toward disorder. Always. You've got to expend some energy if you want to make them right again.

And quite honestly, I get kinda tired of it. It wears me out. But, I've been learning something pretty cool. And since I'm a God-believer and a Jesus-follower, I'm always looking for the ways He shows up in my everyday mundane. And He does show up. Even when I'm cleaning the house. Because every time I pick up a toy, or scrub a toilet, or dust an end table, I'm preaching the gospel to myself. I'm telling a story. A story of something to come. Something that's not all the way here, but that's on its way.

I'm telling the story of how one day, this whole wide chaotic, messy, broken world will be made right again. Will one day be fixed. One day be returned to perfect and complete peace. One day be made whole. Because that's what Jesus came to do and that's what He promises will happen at the end of the here and now. And that's a beautiful story. A story worth telling myself when I sort laundry.

So, I wash the sink out and remember that He'll wash this whole place clean. And I glue a broken toy and remember that He'll mend all that's been fragmented. I put the puzzles together for the umpteenth time and remember that one day all the pieces will find their place. In Him.

That's what redemption is about. Him making everything right again. And I long for that. With the deepest ache I long for it. And I wait for it, knowing full well that one day it's coming. All things becoming new.

And that makes cleaning not so hard. It actually kinda transforms it into a way to worship. To worship the God who entered into the wreck in order to restore Shalom. Perfect peace. Confounding completeness. Utter fullness. Absolute soundness. Total tranquility. Deepest rest. 

So, I pick up around here. And I live out the sweetest story I know.

And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new. Write this down. For these words are trustworthy and true" (Rev. 21:5).

Comments

  1. Praise God. All I can think of in response. Thank you for sharing.
    www.kendradahl.com
    posted by Kendra
    on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 6:51 am
  2. From this side of the world I totally get you., but His grace is sufficient
    posted by Biannca Cortez
    on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 7:21 am
  3. Thank you! Needed to hear this...
    posted by Aimee
    on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 7:47 am
  4. What a wonderful perspective! That's one that I can live out and teach my children as they watch me work or work alongside me. Lord, give me the grace to think like this today and tomorrow and the next day...
    posted by Tracy
    on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 8:35 am
  5. Amen, the more I live in this broken world the more thankful I am for the hope we have in Christ. Blessings to you for sharing this encouraging perspective on the mundane.
    posted by Melissa
    on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 8:57 am
  6. Oh, thank you for these thoughts! I will read this many times and share it with a multitude of friends. There will be a lot of worshipful cleaning going on, not just in my home, but also in many other homes too. Your worship will be glorifying to the Lord and a wonderful legacy to pass on to your children. God's blessing to you and through you.
    posted by Ellen
    on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 9:18 am
  7. Wow...LOVED your blog! What a "breath of fresh air" all for HIs glory! Blessings to you for the difference you just made in countless lives.
    posted by kathy
    on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 9:38 am
  8. LOVE IT! Maggie, I'm so glad you're writing here. You never fail to give me a punch in the gut (Conviction) and yet feel like soothing oil (Hope).

    You're going to have to write a book someday, because we all need to hear what you have to say. We need more young, relevant voices speaking out about the practical side of biblical womanhood. Thank you for this, today.
    www.heartchoicestoday.blogspot.com
    posted by Dawn Wilson
    on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 10:33 am
  9. Lord, please help me remember this the next time I'm cleaning my home. Thank you for this fresh perspective. I needed it. Jodi
    posted by Jodi C
    on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 11:12 am
  10. Great perspective. Thank you for sharing it : )
    As I look around my messy house I also think about how much "STUFF" I have and how God will also separate things (sifting if you will). And I pray God will help me to sift through my "stuff" and show me what I really NEED. We have gotten to the point that we no longer have things that serve us, but we are serving our things. It takes up room in our lives that could be for other things - like friends, family and God (in the exact opposite order).
    This has been SO SALIENT to me lately. I appreciate your perspective and focusing on Christ in our lives, and I hope to keep that in mind as I go room-to-room cleaning, sifting and organizing!
    posted by A Murphy
    on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 11:23 am
  11. Thank you for this new perspective on cleaning. I've often heard about viewing chores as serving my family. It helps when the chores become mundane or discouraging. But I appreciate this new thought -- to remind me to hope for what is to come. I'm going to post some Scriptures of the promises of what is to come in the laundry room to remind to hope! Thank you!
    posted by Sherry
    on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 11:40 am
  12. I learned as a young wife and mother that WHATEVER we do, if done to the best of our abilities can be done to the glory of God. This gave housework a whole new significance for me. I also find that vacuuming is a great time to pray and meditate.
    posted by Eliza
    on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 11:44 am
  13. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful! Thank you for reminding us to remember the truth in the midst of chaos.
    posted by Shana
    on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 12:26 pm
  14. You put it perfectly "I'm telling a story. A story of something to come."

    There are many stories we can choose to tell ourselves, but there's only one true one. Thanks for this reminder!
    http://www.kimberlysink.com
    posted by Kimberly
    on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 1:58 pm
  15. what a wonderful reminder that the Gospel is everywhere and in everything. Thank you for helping me remember that every moment is a chance to share Christ with my family and give glory to God. Although I know those things, sometimes it does get lost in the piles of laundry. I really needed this today!
    posted by Dawn
    on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 2:48 pm
  16. Hooray for Jesus! :-)
    posted by ann
    on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 4:33 pm
  17. I hate to be a Debbie Downer writing after all of the positive feedback, but the thing that is most frustrating about constant cleaning is that it is never done. You always have to do more and do it all over again the next day. And that's the main thing that is satisfying about redemption and salvation---when it's done, it's done. And in that way, I don't see how the Gospel is played out in our daily cleaning....
    http://www.deliniation.com
    posted by Delina
    on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 5:28 pm
  18. I love this, Maggie! My daily chores tomorrow will be faced with much more delight--I'll be preaching the Gospel to myself over and over! :-) I just love this perspective!

    Love to you!
    posted by Sarah
    on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 11:44 pm
  19. Thank you for sharing your story..i usually talk to God when i washed the dishes..and now will talk to Him a lot more (when doing other chores too).. :-) i now will share your story to my beloved sister that also loves God as much as i do..
    posted by Ckaysung
    on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 7:11 am
  20. I know what you mean. Cleaning can be a never ending pick up, polish that, and sort this process. It is definitely not the way I want to spend my energy! Yesterday I was cleaning my house and I just started thinking about God resting because he is finished with all his work. Straight way I heard The Holy Spirit convict me of righteousness, giving me revelation of Jesus's glory and converting it to my glory....glory to glory. I love it when He shows up and gives me remembrance of My Lord Jesus. I am overwhelmed yet satisfied. I get to receive grace. His finished work gives me rest. Guess what?! I am now having my own Celebration Party. Before I know it, I am chanting, "I am the righteousness of God in Christ". It doesn't matter how hard or how much I try to keep my residence tidy. My energy is now focused on Jesus. It is by His obedience that I am accepted by God. Wow, my soul is relaxing. I behold his glory and I effortlessly clean my home with great joy, full of grace and truth. Thank you Father. Thank you for your son's obedience where I fell short. As Christ is so am I in this world.
    posted by Kristi Simmonds
    on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 1:29 am
  21. I know what you mean. Cleaning can be a never ending pick up, polish that, and sort this process. It is definitely not the way I want to spend my energy! Yesterday I was cleaning my house and I just started thinking about God resting because he is finished with all his work. Straight way I heard The Holy Spirit convict me of righteousness, giving me revelation of Jesus's glory and converting it to my glory....glory to glory. I love it when He shows up and gives me remembrance of My Lord Jesus. I am overwhelmed yet satisfied. I get to receive grace. His finished work gives me rest. Guess what?! I am now having my own Celebration Party. Before I know it, I am chanting, "I am the righteousness of God in Christ". It doesn't matter how hard or how much I try to keep my residence tidy. My energy is now focused on Jesus. It is by His obedience that I am accepted by God. Wow, my soul is relaxing. I behold his glory and I effortlessly clean my home with great joy, full of grace and truth. Thank you Father. Thank you for your son's obedience where I fell short. As Christ is so am I in this world.
    posted by Kristi
    on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 1:30 am
  22. One of my biggest issues right now is cleaning and organizing!!! I'm so tired of seeing the same old mess but reading this blogg has given me a new look on things ... a new heart towards cleaning. please pray for me,
    Thank you and God bless you:-)
    posted by Ronda
    on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 12:13 am
  23. Great insight on how to change grumbling to gratitude all with keeping eternity in view. Thank you.
    posted by Susan McCurdy
    on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 2:53 pm
  24. Delina,
    You are so right about our salvation being a done deal! And I am so thankful that Christ's sacrifice was once for all. Not like the priest's sacrifice that had to be done over and over. I think that Maggie's story better illustrates our sanctification. That constant work that God does in us to make us more like Him. Ruth Graham, wife of Billy Graham, had put on her tombstone "end of construction, thank-you for your patience."
    Love that!!!
    posted by Laura
    on Thursday, May 3, 2012 at 3:08 pm

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