January 29th, 2010
I once wondered how my mother could get through all the ironing that our family of six once required before the days of fabric softener sheets and wrinkle release dryer settings. She told me that when she ironed a piece of clothing, she would think of all the things the family member would experience while wearing that item. My mother would pray for good things to come about in the life of the loved one. She prayed for her family while ironing their clothes.
And my mother prayed while she scrubbed the floor. My bedroom was not far from the kitchen. I can remember, as a little girl, sneaking out of my bed at night and peeking around the corner to see her there, on her hands and knees, scrubbing away, a prayer in audible whispers always on her lips.
God dwells in His disciples, and it is God who makes the difference in every aspect of a believer’s life. God makes housework a blessing in my mother’s life and in the lives of those who benefit from it. God, in the simplest of tasks, works in her life, as well as in the lives of those for whom she prays.
Jesus said -
…I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit… John 15:5
My mother’s ironed shirts were quickly wrinkled. Milk was spilt upon her sparkling floor. But the fruits of those prayers she whispered as a young mother are still blooming, blossoming - some just now ripe upon the branch.
My mother abides in God and God, abiding in her, is not only able to bring holiness into her ordinary, but He is able, in all things, to bear fruit through her and through those she loves.
God is able and willing. He desires to bear fruit in your life and in mine. That is the abundant life in Christ. It is not about having more or doing more - it is abiding - He in me and I in Him. It is a blessed life God fills with meaning and overflows with faithfulness, mercy and love. It is a life that bears much fruit.
Abide.
Music Video ~ Abide With Me ~ Antrim Mennonite Choir