I’m at my late mother’s house cleaning bathrooms. Her house is my rental property now, and the latest tenants recently moved out. As co-owner with my sister, who lives in Georgia, I serve now as property manager. That sounds like a fancy title, but it just means I do the grunt work — keeping the grass growing, the plumbing working, the walls painted, the furnace checked, the roof in place, and between new tenants, the toilets cleaned.
Yes, I clean toilets. I’m actually real good at it. Mama would be proud. She subscribed to personal pride, so she taught my sister and me to clean up after ourselves and take care of what God gave us. She and Daddy did that with a vengeance. No slacking was the mantra of their long lives.
So here I am, on a sunny Thursday morning, cleaning toilets — that is, the toilets of the next tenants, who are due to move in soon — and I’m working up a sweat. But the sweating feels just fine.
“Why don’t you hire a cleaning service?” a friend asks.
“Yes, I suppose I could do that,” I tell her.
Then I try to explain why I’m on my knees, with my hands in Playtex Living rubber gloves, scrubbing like a fare-thee-well at every crook and cranny of my late Mama’s porcelain.
It just feels right. But it’s also my way of saying thank you.
I thank God. For being God. For deciding, even before the fall of Adam, that we would labor in this life and that working would be good. As Genesis 2:15 tells us, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”
In that spirit, my late parents worked hard and long, teaching my sister and me their ethic and also showing us how to labor — and to feel good about it.
Because of them I can tell a flat-head screw driver from a Phillips-head. I know why priming a wall is critical when painting it. I know that a plumber’s wrench works best in tight spaces. Yet if I didn’t know such housekeeping basics, I can hear my Daddy saying, Well, go find out.
I don’t take it lightly to have been born to such hard working, God fearing, home-maintaining people. They taught me perseverance and honored elbow grease. Now when I’m at my wit’s end, befuddled by a problem, I can see Mama and Daddy, with God’s help, making the effort to figure it out. For that, I am grateful.
I’m grateful they never gave up. Not on God, nor on themselves, nor on me. And as God well knows, I made my share of mistakes, messes, and problems. But thank God, they’d already done the right thing – introducing me to Christ. That was their priceless and greatest gift to me as a child. Such precious knowledge saves lives and in more ways than one.
As I roll up my sleeves and get to work, I’m reminded that God keeps working on us. We are buildings not made by hands. All of us, therefore, get leaks in our roofs, cracks in our walls, mold in our ceilings, and rust in our radiators. To fix us all, however, Jesus got scars on His outstretched hands.
He conquered hard work — from washing soiled feet to surrendering to the cross, all done for us. His hard work redeemed, cleansing us “from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Through it, He showed us what hard works means. As the Apostle Paul said:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord . . . since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)
Thus, I’m at my late mother’s home, cleaning toilets and on my knees cleaning the floors because the Lord works even harder in us. It’s the least I can do to thank Him, and as I work, I pray that the next family that lives here will find a place to call home in Mama’s beloved house.
Leave a Comment
Michele Morin says
Thank you, Patricia!
As a work-in-progress myself, I’m very thankful that God does not spare Himself the hard work of conforming me to His likeness–and that’s fantastic motivation for me to roll up my sleeves and persevere in the daily work He has given to me! You had wonderful parents!
Patricia Raybon says
I’m thankful, too, Michele! From one work-in-progress to another, thanks for rejoicing with me for the Lord’s commitment to us! P.S. And, yes, I’m tremendously grateful for my amazing parents. They loved God and worked hard for Him. A great model for me to try to follow! Blessings on you and thanks for connecting today.
Jas says
I love this verse you have chosen Patricia:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord . . . since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)
It speaks volumes to where I am at and a wonderful reminder from the Lord to keep on keeping on. Putting my heart into all that I do, in my work because I am working for HIM!
Patricia Raybon says
Amen, Jas! What a blessing to remember we’re working for HIM. May He anoint our labor with His amazing love and power! Blessings on your journey, indeed!
Nancy says
Dear Patricia, Wow, this is such a precious devotion! I grew up on a farm and yes, my parents taught us to work hard. They also taught us how important God was, attending Catholic mass. But, it was in my high school years, I met Jesus as my Personal Savior through a David Wilkerson Crusade. To this day, I too like to work hard, whether mowing the lawn or cleaning toilets because my husband is now handicapped after a stroke. The Lord frees me when I can praise HIM while doing work for him. Praise the Lord!
Verna says
Thank you for sharing. My mom recently passed then 2months later the father of my grown children. Since then I started reading these devotionals daily, and They bring me strength and peace. Thank you to my sisters I have never met. We are bonded by the same experiences and the same God.
Patricia Raybon says
Amen, Verna! Many blessings as you grow connections while seeking the Lord!
Patricia Raybon says
Nancy, thank you so much for sharing your feedback. It’s great to connect with a fellow believer who also likes to roll up her sleeves and get to work for the Lord! Many blessings on you and your husband. May the Lord finish well His work in both of you, Praying His strength and joy in your heart, hands and home! Thanks so much for connecting today!
Brenda says
Great reminder Patricia; thank you. 🙂 He set a good example for us of productivity and gratitude, didn’t He? (And, sounds like your parents followed that example well also.) So glad He promises us strength for the tasks He puts before us.
Patricia Raybon says
Thanks for sharing, Brenda! I’m grateful with you that the Lord promises strength for the work He puts before us. May we follow Him closely and bless His Kingdom in our efforts. To Him be the glory!
Pearl Allard says
Patricia, thank you for reminding me on a day I’d rather sit and read that there’s work to be done. Toilets to scrub. May we honor our Maker (and the legacy hard-working parents leave) with the energy He gives for today – whatever that looks like for each of us. Timely reminder.
Patricia Raybon says
Amen, dear Pearl! Thank you for the lessons of hard-working parents as we seek to work for God’s glory and Kingdom! Meantime, take a break and enjoy your reading! May He speak through the pages!
Beth Williams says
Patricia,
You have reminded me of two songs: “Do Everything ” by Stephen C. Chapman. It talks about everyday mundane jobs. The chorus: As you do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you, ‘Cause He made you,
To do Every little thing that you do To bring a smile to His face Tell the story of grace With every move that you make And every little thing you do. It spurs me on to do my little chores/work realizing that He is the one watching & judging.
The next song: “I Get To” by Jeff & Sheri Easter. It talks about stuff we “had to do.” Having to go to church in suit & tie as a youngster, helping dad all day with yard work or saying I love you. I get to. Chorus: I get to wake up early. I get to go to work. make an honest living with my hands down in the dirt. I get to hear grandma complain about all her little aches & pains. I get to rock my baby girl to sleep. Spend my weekends coaching little league. There’s a lot of things that I don’t have to do I get to. That songs teaches me to look at each chore as a blessing from God. To be thankful I am able to do all that stuff. Life is short & before long people & things will be taken from us & we can’t or won’t be able to do those things.
This country needs to shift its focus. Quit seeing life as a bunch of have to’s to get to’s. Being thankful & appreciative for all we are, have & can do. We are blessed to be able to go to church without persecution or harm. Most of us are healthy & can get out & enjoy life. Let’s quit complaining & thank God for his many blessings!!
Karen Lewter says
Thank you. I loved your comments.
Patricia Raybon says
So well said, Beth! Each chore IS a blessing, especially when He gives us the strength, insight and provision to do it. Not much time for complaining when we put our hands and hearts to the plow — especially for Him! Thanks for affirming that!
Kathleen Bailey says
Thanks for sharing these songs.
Judy Gordon Morrow says
Beautiful post, Patricia! Your parents made me think of mine, since they were similar in how they lived. I miss them both, but I’m forever grateful for their godly legacy, which included a strong work ethic. And I’ve always loved that encouraging scripture passage. Many tasks face me today, so thank you for this timely reminder!
Patricia Raybon says
Blessings, dear Judy! I miss my wonderful parents, too — but, like you, I’m forever grateful for all they taught me, including the joy of working, especially for the Lord. To Him be the glory! I pray your day was positive and productive, indeed. Thanks so much for reaching out!
Penny says
Patricia,
What a pleasure this was to read.
While certain tasks might not be pleasant, we must try anyway, to do them, “With all our heart, as we work serving the Lord.” Thank-you for sharing with us today………..
Have a wonderfully blessed day all,
Penny
Patricia Raybon says
Thanks so much, Penny. It’s wonderful to hear from you today. Blessings, indeed, on all you do this precious day, especially for Him!
Nancy Ruegg says
Your heart-touching post reminded me of my parents. My Mom and Dad made the effort to figure things out, too. Sometimes Mom would run into a problem as she sewed an outfit for herself or me. She’d call Dad to analyze the instructions with her. He knew nothing about sewing, but he listened and asked questions, and together they’d figure it out. Mom did the same thing for Dad when he encountered a conundrum on one of his carpentry projects. Again, Mom knew nothing about woodworking, but she listened and asked questions and together they’d figure it out. I, too, am grateful for their example of teamwork, hard work, perseverance, and strong faith that permeated everything they did. Thank you for conjuring up sweet memories and gratitude to God for my roots, Patricia!
Patricia Raybon says
What wonderful memories, Nancy. What a blessed experience to glean life-giving lessons about work, life, worship and love inside the heart of one’s own family. Thanks so much, indeed, for sharing about your family. Something special happens when the Lord blesses a mom and dad to work together as a team, and then teach their children to work “as if for the Lord” in their own endeavors. Kindest thanks for reaching out with these precious reminders. May the Lord continue to “work in us” — blessing His people as we seek to bless His kingdom with our humble labor! Your roots, indeed, are yielding a great harvest! All for Christ!
Nancy Ruegg says
Thank you, Patricia. Indeed, All for Christ!
Andrea C says
Thank you for this reminder! Sometimes the days seem incredibly long working full time and being a mom. But I am grateful for purpose here on this earth. Wish I shared your passion for scrubbing toilets though, haha!
Patricia Raybon says
Thank you, Andrea. Purpose, yes, makes ALL the difference. (And if toilet scrubbing isn’t a part of it, that’s perfectly fine, too!) Blessings and thanks for connecting today!
Ingrid says
Excellent post! I have told my own children again and again that the goal in life is not to avoid work, but to embrace and find satisfaction in it. I love your perspective and thought provoking correlation to Christ.
I have often found myself at odds with others in the last few years, people who do not agree with this ethic, and think that everything unpleasant should be outsourced. I have prayed often for insight into this choice, which I consider unsustainable and counter-intuitive if one is healthy and able.
Also: I love using a magic eraser to clean toilets – one dedicated to only this task, obviously.
Carol Ann Pennington says
I was looking forward to your next post on (in)courage so that I could tell you that I am reading, “Waking Up White” because as you know, ” …God keeps working on us.” And as He continues to do a work in me, I’m reaching out to friends of all races to start a dialogue that I hope will begin to bring down walls. I know that it’s only baby steps, but it’s a start. Thank you for telling me about that book!
Patricia Raybon says
Wonderful, Carol! I sincerely appreciate hearing from you today, especially regarding “Waking Up White.” It’s such an insightful book and I’m grateful to know you are enjoying it. Kindest thanks also for reaching out to friends of all races to start a dialogue. The Lord will honor your commitment, passion — and your hard work! Let’s keep working, indeed, “as if for Him!” Warmest regards and many blessings as you continue to serve in His Name! P.S. Let’s connect again here at (in)courage!
Sue says
Love this Patricia. Our folks would’ve been great neighbors and are great neighbors in glory, swapping hard working stories and maybe talking about us—their greatest labor of love. Yes hard work is a blessing and a legacy. I need to add that to my legacy of a mother talk. Oh. Mom gave me a bucket and sponges at a wedding shower and write a letter saying she spent hours on her hands and knees scrubbing the floors and praying for her kids. I’ve yet to scrub on my hands and knees and I prefer to hire a college student but I work hard and pray harder. Loved your post.
Becky Keife says
“To fix us all, however, Jesus got scars on His outstretched hands.” Amen, my friend! Yes. If Jesus was turned off by hard work, He wouldn’t have come to earth. I imagine Him sweaty with the perspiration of physical labor as much as the spiritual work He did for us in His earthly ministry. And what a beautiful example your parents set for you. No doubt your Mama and Daddy would be proud of the hardworking, grace-giving woman you are. So appreciated your words here, Patricia. xx
Michelle Stiffler says
Patricia, I can relate to feeling connected to family while doing menial tasks. They weren’t afraid of sweat, they weren’t too busy to let me ‘help’, and they were willing to teach me the way of the daily load. What a gift to enjoy them years later! Thanks for the simple gratitude today!
Kathleen Bailey says
I loved this post, thank you. I need reminders of why it’s important to do hard work without complaining.