Helping Hands

This morning I was going about my usual routine of getting the kitchen cleaned up from the dishes left over from last night's supper.  We tend to clean up all the food and plates and stuff, but leave the bigger dishes so we have time to spend together as a family.  Sometimes we will do the dishes together after the kids go to bed, but more often, especially lately, I will do them during the morning while the kids are playing or watching the same movie for the hundredth time in a row.

Today, I was working on unloading the dishwasher during my son's quiet time.  Little Red (the middle child) usually plays quietly with her dolls or whatever. Recently, though, she's been coming to help whenever I open the dishwasher.  She's a joyous little helper and does a pretty good job considering she's only 2 and can't reach more than half of the shelves where the dishes go.

Thing is, I was struck by how similar I am to her.  Many times God is doing something in this world, and I run to help. I don't have the stature or maturity to do the best job, but my efforts can be valiant. Sometimes I make a horrible mess, like when Little Red picks up a tupperware that flipped on the top rack and is now FULL of water. Other times I'm just the right person for the job - like when she can put away all the lids in the right spots.  Still other times, I make things harder for people who come after me - like the one time I'm sure I searched for a solid week for the veggie peeler.  I'm often misdirected and want to do things my way even though it isn't the best or even helpful at all - she sometimes thinks that putting the dirty dishes I've just put in the dishwasher should also go back in the cupboards.

The biggest thing  I realized this morning, though, is that similar to me, I'm pretty sure God loves a cheerful heart and willing hands.  He could do things all himself, but He lets us help and do. I'm glad He loves us so much to let us learn and make mistakes in the process. I'm gad that, like me with my two year old, His expectations are pretty low of me.  I'm also glad that HE has put someone in place to pick up my mess, do things perfectly, and finish the work. 

xo,
J

soli deo gloria