As I stepped out of the shower I noticed her standing in the mirror. Flawless curls mousse scattered throughout her hair. Toothpaste ring around her lips and wet sleeves likely from the water on her face. Most noticeable, the smile turned serious look in her eye.
What are you doing?
I’m getting ready for work today.
Hmm. Where do you work?
I’m going to help Dad with the children.
Hmm. Who are the children?
Well, not me, I’m a big kid.
Hmm. Of course you are.
As I left the house tickled by her serious commitment to help care for “the children” today, I could not help but feel fascinated by her. Five going on fifteen, I’m sure. I can only imagine the days to come.
As typical, I was greeted by three little squealing voices at the top of the stairs as I returned home that evening. I remembered our morning with a smiling heart and could not wait to hear how it went. So, I asked.
How did you day at work go?
Well, it was okay.
Hmm. What did you do?
Oh, you know, I took this here and put that there. Threw this away. Picked that up. Just stuff.
Hmm. That sounds helpful. Did you enjoy helping Dad with “the children”.
Well, I mean it is what it is.
Hmm. Yes, sister, some days, it is what it is.
After a few days passed I pondered our interaction that evening a little more than likely I should have. As I pondered the thought “it is what it is.” I couldn’t help but think, how many times have I felt frustrated in a moment of life as I pushed aside the emotion with a begrudging response; it is what it is.
I thought of how often, I, in a particular season, felt the dull feeling of stagnation, it is what it is. In a season where God, my Father, kept me performing what seems as though mundane tasks longer than I desired. How many days have I planned on more. Envisioned a time where I would perform tasks with greatness only to feel disappointed in their value. Days, interactions, blogs, messages, and simple tasks of life have left me feeling unaccomplished. I have wondered if what I am doing serves much purpose if any. Am I contributing to the Kingdom? Am I overlooked. Set aside. Missed potential. Wandering through life and the day with minuscule tasks to occupy my, surely, better served time.
Longing for more yet unsatisfied with the moment as it feels like not enough. I’m capable of more. Not everything I desire. But, more than this. If only he would see that.
I have uttered the words. It. Is. What. It. Is.
Friend, at times, our Father, in his great love for us will hold us in a place, a season, where we begin to feel mundane and unaccomplished. Because, he knows, in this season, exactly what foundation we need laid for the next phase of the journey ahead. Our tasks feel minimal. Our hearts long for more. Our minds convince us that we are overlooked. Yet, none of that is true. We are, at the loving hand of a loving Father, being prepared for the next phase. There are foundational truths we need to move forward into the next stretch of journey so we do not slip and fall on the road ahead. We have fundamental tasks we are learning now to set us up for success in the near future. We, in this moment, need to humbly, honorably, and faithfully stay in the season we are in so we can be adequately prepared for the journey ahead.
Much like her daddy letting her help in the small things to prepare her for the big things. Our Daddy extends the same loving guidance. At times, it is easy to feel, it is what it is, with a numb heart missing the true love and grace being extended at the hand of the loving Father as he protects, pours into, and guides our steps. In those times, we must trust that Daddy knows best and will reward his child with the right tasks at the right time after he has prepared our hearts for success.
Take time to absorb the moment you are in. As your heart longs for desires that God has planted in you for greatness, know that he is lovingly preparing you for the way he has already made. Lean into his understanding. Submit to his perfect will. Let him counsel you into spiritual wisdom. Know that he never overlooks the faithful heart of a servant child seeking his greatness for his glory. He is faithful. Bobbie
“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.”
Psalms 37:5-7 NLT
““The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’”
Matthew 25:21 NLT
