Built for a Beautiful Purpose
Photo by Larimar Lens
I have a new(ish) kitchen. We added it on to the back of our house about four and a half years ago. I don't mind saying, it is beautiful. Even when it's a mess it looks lovely. Maybe because of the mess it is lovely—fulfilling its function of feeding our big family and providing a place to gather. Our kitchen was built for a purpose and it faithfully fulfills that purpose. The mess is part of the proof.
Don't get me wrong. I like a clean kitchen. I want things put up, wiped up, swept up. But when supper and laughter are both bubbling up, when dishes and dear ones are strewn all about, and both bellies and souls are satisfied, something worthwhile is in the works. Our kitchen has served us and served its purpose, and that is a beautiful thing.
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10).
Photo by Larimar Lens
Like my kitchen we all have a purpose—His purpose. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10). We should not be surprised when fulfilling that purpose looks messy more often than not. Our lives here are defined by process, not perfection. There's no need to panic. We can relax and entrust ourselves to Jesus. He knows how to calm the chaos.
Wade in to those good works and dispense grace by the shovelful.
Loving God and loving our families are what make us lovely.
In the meantime, don't shy away from the smudges and smears acquired from forging meaningful relationships. Don't be dismayed by the dirt of discipline and discipleship. Don't be grieved by the grit and grime of parenting and hospitality and a million other worthwhile callings. Wade in to those good works and dispense grace by the shovelful. Eventually there will be time and opportunity to tie up loose ends and tidy up.
Photo by Larimar Lens
Photo by Larimar Lens Pantry : functional chaos
Our lives here are defined by process, not perfection.
Don't be afraid of the messes.
Despite some Pinterest perfect ideal, our homes should be havens for living, our schedules for serving, our bodies for bearing children and bearing each others’ burdens and bear hugging. Feeding, comforting, nursing, training, teaching, playing, worshiping, serving all have eternal value and eternal beauty. Loving God and loving our families are what make us lovely. Each faithful step in our messy, mundane days adds to the miles walked in the good works God prepared for us to accomplish.
Learn with me the lesson of my kitchen. Live into the legacy of your purpose. Embrace the beauty of intentional, meaningful days. Offer yourself for God's plan. Don't be afraid of the messes. They just may be proof of a life well-walked.
With a beautiful purpose.
