Comfortable in the unknown

Today’s morning sky was filled with sunshine. Finally!  As I drove the kids to school, I could see the effects of the sunshine on the sky, creating pink-ish, loose, fluffy clouds. Luke calls them “lava” clouds. I wanted to park and soak it in until the color in the clouds faded back to white. But I kept on driving. Windows down, heat turned up, music blaring, and sunshine painting the sky.  All of it brought a smile to my face and I took a much needed deep breath .  I came over a small hill and saw more than just the light in the sky -- I saw the source of the light.  I could barely see anything besides the blinding brightness of uninterrupted sunshine spilling through my windshield. Today's sunshine was a great reminder that God exists just like the sun shines everyday. I love when God is so bright and in my face that I can’t miss His presence. I know He is always there, whether it is bright and blinding, illuminating a beautiful sky, or masked by clouds and rain and storms. 

Lately I have been struggling to understand my everyday tasks, how they are a part of my purpose, and where my journey is taking me.  Although I truly enjoy the people in my world and life itself,  I wonder far too often if and how I matter.  Just this weekend, I wiped my counters six times as I prepared and cleaned up for Luke’s family birthday dinner. I baked a cake. I ran three loads of laundry. I read our daily devotional with the kids. I painted the spirit rock. I  made cinnamon toast. I checked temperatures and gave Advil and made ice waters. I toasted the bread for the sandwiches for lunch. I filled the gas tank and went to the grocery store and gave undivided attention over dinner.  I picked up the boys for Luke’s birthday party, helped the kids order lunch, cheered during a basketball game, helped Maggie load a new app, changed out the wreaths on the front door, cleaned the porch, rearranged a bedroom, washed the dishes, unloaded the dishwasher. Twice.  I also managed a quick workout, showered and brushed my teeth each day (You’re welcome).  I still need to vacuum... and I’ll do most of the list over and over again throughout the week.  The everyday tasks just to function can be exhausting and mundane.  Does any of it matter?

As I looked at the sunshine today, I was reminded that God uses mundane, everyday tasks to bless others and fulfill His will.  He asks that I am faithful and obedient, even the mundane, and even when I don't know why.  Questions I have had lately were answered: 
Is my impact on others for His purpose?  Usually... as long as I am patient and loving... (I'll put this on the list to pray about each morning).
Do I help execute His will through all I do? When I am intentional in prayer and practice, I am assured it is His work and His will, not mine, that are being done.  (I'll add this to the list for morning prayer as well).
Am I headed in the direction God has designed for me?  I wake up some days feeling aimless and confused.  I am not really comfortable in the unknown.  A peace surrounded me as I was unable to see the road ahead from the brightness of the sun.  Even though I have no idea where the journey is leading, I know I am on the path He has designed for me.  On this journey, I can take in the beauty that is illuminated as God's light shines on all parts of my journey, even though the light is too bright to see the final destination.  I am confident that my faith, obedience, and perseverance are being strengthened as I go. 

 Hebrews 12:2 - “Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith...”

1 Corinthians 15:58 - “...Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord.”