Whatever…
At the end of each year, I sit down not only to reflect on the year past but also to look with expectation and hope toward the year ahead. Usually, I take time to choose a word to focus on in the new year, as well.
This year feels a bit different. I feel like the word I’ve chosen is actually one God has impressed upon my heart these past few weeks, as I’ve struggled to maintain a positive attitude in all the things—the dishwashing, laundry folding, meal planning, grocery shopping, food prep, gift shopping, wrapping of presents, coordination of schedules, diaper changing, sweeping, dusting, mopping…the list goes on.
My heart just felt a bit off this advent season. Try as I might, I found my sleep-deprived self becoming agitated and frustrated far more easily than normal in what is supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year.” But why? Figuring out the answer to this question didn’t take long. Why? Because my focus was on all the THINGS and not the ONE for whom I was really doing them.
The more agitated or run-down I became, the more I kept hearing God whisper to my heart, “Whatever…”
Whatever. A word I hope never to hear my teenage utter in response to something I say.
Whatever. A word that often comes with tone or attitude.
Whatever. A word that often hits us a bit sideways and can even feel disrespectful if received as a response.
But when I heard WHATEVER, I was hearing not just the word itself, but a whole verse that I committed to memory years ago—Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people,” (Col. 3:23, CSB)
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” (Col. 3:23, ESV)
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people,” (Col. 3:23, NASB)
No matter the translation you choose to read, the message is the same. WHATEVER we do, we are called to put our whole hearts into it for GOD. I cannot tell you how much just whispering this word to myself has helped redirect and refocus my attitude and attention. And this is precisely why it is important to commit scripture to memory—so it comes to mind and can guide you in all circumstances.
What have you struggled to do with joy this past year? Do you feel bogged down by work? Do the pile of dishes in the sink seem like punishment after an already long day? Do you feel like laundry has become your life? Have you struggled to show kindness to someone who has been unkind to you?
May we be reminded to call upon the Lord in all circumstances, so that WHATEVER we do, we do it as for the Lord.
With a grateful heart,
Sarah
