The job no one wants

As I was cleaning around the house, I said to myself...”Why do I bother?” I’m sure I am not the only one who has uttered these words. I get frustrated because it seems like no one else is helping, cleaning or putting stuff away or even picking up the mess they make. (I am also aware that they probably say that about me too!)

Why do I bother? Because I want to be able to have counter space to work on and walk around the house without unnecessarily stubbing my toe or tripping over stuff. Sure it might be burdensome and drive me nuts, but doing my part gets the results I seek.

I am currently reading the Bible with a friend. We are currently beginning the words from the prophet Jeremiah. Like all the prophets, the major and minor ones, are called to clean up for God. Not because God makes a mess but because God needs a place to work.

Jeremiah pretty much says God could just stop doing what God does, throw up his hands and say “That’s all, folks. I’m going home and taking my ball with me.”

Thankfully, God doesn’t. God continues to sweep up the mess we humans make. From our countertops to the ground upon which we walk, God goes so far as to clean those hard to reach spots deep within our souls.

Why does God bother? Because God loves us that much. We matter to God. So much so that God is willing to put on the rubber gloves and get to work. If God didn’t then the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf would be rendered mute. It would be meaningless to God. And so would we.

God wants clean counters to work on. And this takes work from us. As I’ve learned with my own family, this work is easier and more productive when shared with others. But there will be those times when we have to gonit alone and just to do it; especially when no one else will.