Sweeping Sawdust

Lately, a few questions have been coming up a lot in my prayer time... Specifically, "Why missions? Why serve? Why go to Zambia or any other nation?" And I just keep thinking back to how my grandpa was a carpenter for years and years. I remember as a kid he was usually out in the workshop building something. For a long time, I was too little to use the power tools or help measure, and I've never really had a particular passion or desire for woodworking, but I wanted to spend time with my grandpa, be close to him, and do what he did. So, I'd go out there and watch him, getting as close as I safely could. And then when he'd reach a certain point where there was enough sawdust accumulated on the floor, he would let me sweep it up. That was my job, and I was so excited to get to work with Grandpa that eagerly I swept up every bit.

I see this as a perfect example of where I'm at when it comes to working with Jesus. I love Him and I want to serve Him. My greatest desire is to be near my Creator… going where He goes, doing what He does, and loving like He loves. As the Master Builder and ultimate Craftsman, He may be building His house and in reality I'm just sweeping sawdust, but as long as I'm with Him, no matter where that leads me I'm right where I want to be.

For the sake of this analogy, sweeping sawdust looks different for everyone. Maybe that’s going into missions yourself, sending out and supporting missionaries, engaging in local ministry in your community, or telling your barista, even that one coworker you see every day about God’s love for them. It’s the same God working to accomplish the same overall goal: rescuing us from the domain of darkness and transferring us into the kingdom of His Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Through reconciling humanity to Himself, He grants us the free gift of life and life to the full and even in all His power and splendor and glory He chooses to partner with us, His children, to build His heavenly kingdom here on earth! What a humbling thought… All glory be to God!