Tuesday, April 28, 2015

All Done in Love



Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love.  Honor one another above yourselves.

Since I don't work outside the home, most of the routine house-cleaning chores fall to me.  Those of you who have followed me here for a while know that, while I love a clean, neat house, I don't greet the necessary tasks like a long lost friend, but I don't perform them grudgingly, either.  Danny works hard to provide for us, and I like him to relax and enjoy his free time as much as he can.  Although, I might add, he will pitch in happily if I need his help.

One of the chores which Danny never touches, though, is making up our bed.  That's 100% my domain.  Last Saturday, I have to leave the house early to attend a women's conference which my friend, Lynne, has hosted for the last four years.  I'm excited about attending as this is my first time going, but the morning does not get off to an auspicious start.  Instead of my phone alarm waking me at a decent hour, the "ding" of Facebook messenger, not once, but thrice, has me tumbling groggily out of bed way before my body is even close to ready.  The annoyance wakes Danny up, too, and he is none too pleased.  Often, if he's awakened in the middle of a sound sleep, it is difficult for him to return to it.  I'm praying, albeit in a grumpy way, that this won't be his fate today.

Luckily, Danny is able to return to the land of dreams, but I'm in a funk that even the strongest coffee can't cure.  So as not to rouse him from slumber, I wait until the last minute to take my shower and dress, as noiselessly as I can, in the dark.  By the time Danny does wake up, I have only moments to dry my hair and go.  Making the bed?  Ha!  I'll just do it when I get back.

But I don't have to.

When I return home in the afternoon, it is all made up, neat as a pin.  The dishes that were in the sink are racked in the dishwasher and the stainless steel sink is scrubbed and polished.  Small things, right?  Not to me!  I am thrilled that Danny cared enough, knowing the rough morning I'd had, to honor me above himself and make my day just that much brighter.

The older I get, the more those little gestures done with great love give me much joy and contentment.  Because, I believe, God's voice is not loudest in the howling wind and the raging tempest, but in the small and simple quiet things of ordinary life.  That's where love is heard.  That's where grace is given.

Those little moments.

Those small gestures.

All done in love.  

~

What about you?  What simple things bring joy to your heart?

Prayer:  Father, may we all be devoted to one another in love.  May we place the needs of others above ourselves.  Let us do that one small thing for someone else today that reflects Your great love.  In Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen.

17 comments:

  1. Taking a guess. Love language is Acts of Service? :) Good for Danny! I would jokingly say "Happy wife happy life" but this is much more. This is loving service. Please tell him I said well done.

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    1. I sure will, Bill! He does so many things with love for me, I have trouble keeping up! :)
      Love and blessings!

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  2. Those little things make all the difference in the world!

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  3. Hi Martha! Oh yes, I think I see the work of God in the small event of my life the clearest. Certainly the love your husband has for you translated into a neat bed, and washed dishes. And what is love but God?

    Simple joys for me are morning coffee, a hot shower, prayer time and a call from my kids. Heaven!
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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    1. Ceil, your list of simple joys sound so much like mine! :) And you are so right - what is love but God?
      Love and blessings!

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  4. Martha, you're correct--it really is the small things done in love that have the most meaning. Simple friendship and helping as/when possible is a blessing both ways. I've been blessed immeasurably by a simple hug from a friend.

    Recently, I recalled when my mom was in her last hours on earth, how a complete stranger (who was at the hospital to support a friend), said she was praying for us (she had asked about the rooms where we were, the hospice suite). I slept better that night than I had in weeks, perhaps months, or longer!

    Love and blessings!

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    1. Oh, Kim, the story you shared here about the stranger (perhaps an angel) blessed my heart so! When my former husband lay in the hospital with brain trauma, there were so many unexpected "guests" who prayed with me and for me. If not for those prayers, I know I would never have made it through that ordeal.
      We can be powerful and meaningful conveyors of God's love and mercy in the simplest of actions.
      Love and blessings!

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  5. What brings joy to my heart? My family - I just love spending time with them (and Marty, my grandbeagle). And, I also enjoy the countless ways that my hubby takes care of me. I'm heading off the mountain tomorrow, and I just caught him washing all my windows. Awww...

    GOD BLESS!

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    1. Sharon, I hope my response doesn't show up twice, but I noticed in answering other comments, it just wasn't there!
      Your husband sounds like a complete winner, too, and I'm so glad you all will be enjoying a retreat to the mountains - that's our favorite place to visit, too.
      Relish your time away from it all and look forward to the joys of family when you return.
      Love and blessings!

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  6. You are indeed blessed Martha...Danny is indeed kind and considerate.

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    1. He is, Janaki, that's for sure. I do know how blessed I am and give thanks every day.
      Love and blessings!

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  7. My husband brings me coffee in bed, knowing that I can't wake myself from the dead. Coffee is the magic potion of all potions - amen?

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    1. Coffee is my mainstay, Debra! Two cups in the morning and a shot in the afternoon keep my engines cranking! When Danny has to work at the downtown office, he skips coffee until he gets there as it is an early commute (I don't know how he does it!) and when he works at home, I let him sleep and make his when I hear the shower start. I love, love, love that your husband brings you coffee in bed! Wow!
      Love and blessings!

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  8. Martha - keep this guy!!

    I'm inspired by his many acts of love. True love isn't poetry or nice words. I'm learning it's making the bed and doing the dishes.

    Little gesture and everyday moments make a big impact!

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    1. Yes, you know it, Vishnu - Danny is a keeper, for sure!
      And love is shown in the little things and everyday moments. Let's appreciate each one we receive and give to others.
      Love and blessings!

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  9. The gardener planted my plants without me giving any instruction. He saw a need and met it. It made me so happy.
    I love when anyone does this for me; but the gardener was the most recent example.

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