Saturday, we celebrated my mother-in-law’s birthday. We had a party of twelve at the restaurant and only one waitress worked our table. She was a wonderful waitress. She made sure everyone had plenty to drink; she delivered the food quickly and was able to remember what everyone had ordered. She was quick to bring you anything you requested, and she did it with a permanent smile on her face. We thanked her for doing such a good job and let her know how much we appreciated her making my mother-in-law’s birthday so special.
Her wonderful service reminded me of a quote from Ann Voskamp, “If you’re waiting on God, do what waiters do: serve.” Most of us have found ourselves at one time or another waiting on an answer from God. I know when I have been waiting for God to answer a prayer, I have found myself with a feeling of paralysis. I just sit and wait; I don’t move.
When you were a child and waiting on a special day to come, your parents would give you a project to keep you busy. God does the same thing for his children. In your own home, in your community, there are many ways you can serve. Service to others is the best way to show your love for Christ and to show others the love of Christ. Acts of service not only help you pass the time while waiting on God but it also makes for a fulfilled life.
God sees everything we do, and he will take notice of your hard work. Hebrews tells us that God will not forget the work and love we show as we help those around us. “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10
While in a season of waiting, it is easy to want to give up. We live in a society of instant gratification and waiting is not the norm. As Christians, we know that patience is a virtue, but it is so hard to wait when your heart feels like it is breaking while you wait. The pain of waiting can make you want to give up, but we know that God is faithful and he always keeps his promises. God has told us that our hard work will be rewarded. He will take care of us while we wait, and He will give us exactly what we need. “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7
Most of us have seen the children’s classic, Snow White. When the seven dwarfs are headed off to work, they sing the song, “Whistle While You Work.” It creates a happy tune to help make the work day pass quickly and makes everyone working in a happy mood. While we wait on God, while we are in a place of service, we should strive to whistle while we work. We should keep a happy spirit and look to the future in anticipation of God’s blessings.
This week’s recipe is a hope for the summer to come. It is a yummy one-pan dish that is sure to be easy, fast, and delicious for these busy weeknights. My family loves this dish with chicken, but feel free to substitute it with ground beef or pork. Enoy!
Whistle While You Work
Just whistle while you work.
And cheerfully together we can tidy up the place.
So, hum a merry tune
It won’t take long when there’s a song to help you set the pace
And as you sweep the room.
Imagine that the broom is someone that you love
And soon you’ll find you’re dancing to the tune.
When hearts are high the time will fly so whistle while you work
So, whistle while you work.
December 20, 2024
