I do laundry. 

I’m at a weird place in my life right now. My kids are grown and working, but still living at home. My parents are older and in need of help, but I’m far away and physically unable to help. When Re’Elle asked me to write, I jumped at the chance, but then froze. What on earth could I say about serving God in this stage of life? I don’t even know what this stage IS.

I started thinking. What do I do to serve God? I’ve always taught children’s Bible classes, but that isn’t due to a specific stage of life. Even that looks different than it used to. My husband teaches as well, and we help in the congregation as we are able. We have raised our children to serve the Lord and his church, and they are. But, what do I do that’s different? What acts of service do I do that lets me help others and show them the love of Jesus. What do I do that  allows me to overflow with thanksgiving to God?

2 Corinthians 9:12 “For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.”

I do laundry.

Often, we feel like our contribution isn’t much, certainly not worthy of the gifts we’ve been given. If our children are grown, what is our service to God now? There are many things we can do as we begin to have more free time. We can volunteer at food pantries, hospitals, pregnancy crises centers, etc. My daughter Mattie and I have organized Ladies’ Days and participated in work days. The possibilities are truly endless. Even those of us with limitations can find valuable ways to serve.

I do laundry. 

We have a very large group of children in foster care in our area. I’m sure it’s that way in many places. Our family “adopted” a family that has fostered and adopted four small children (who, by the way, are PERFECT). I started helping Mom with the kids’ laundry before the fourth child arrived. Through connecting with this family, I have helped a few other foster families with occasional “laundry emergencies” . I’m always prepared to step in and get my machines going. It’s a small thing, really, but I’m helping someone and hopefully letting them see the love of Jesus through me. Presoaking, stain treating, washing/drying, and folding … small things I can do with care, praying over the small children and their futures as I work. Holding tiny clothes fills me with memories and gratitude as I remember my own babies.

I do laundry. What can you do?

Colossians 3:17 “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

Colossians 3:22-24 “Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”

It doesn’t matter what acts of service you are able to do, all of them are valuable to someone and can be used to glorify God. I used to do many things, some I can’t do now. It is good to be reminded that there is always something God can do through you. 

 

About the author: Rachel McCarty has been involved in church ministries her entire life.  Her father and grandfather were preachers in the church.  She has been teaching children’s Bible classes since she was 14. She is a currently member of the Country Club Road church of Christ in Roswell NM. She and her husband, Jesse, have raised two wonderful children. Mattie, one of the CFYC staff, and Noah who is a student at Bear Valley Bible Institute. Her favorite activities include snuggling babies, reading, and spoiling her “adopted” grand babies.