There’s a lot of new, new, new being talked about right now with the New Year upon us. In my life there’s a lot more of the same old, same old that I want to be faithful with. There are many more things in my life that are repetitive responsibilities than there are brand new unique things to tend to. But, I do want to make an adjustment to how I care for these things in my life. 

Joyful Diligence. 

I really like to complete things. I like crossing them off my list of to dos and being done with them. Many of the things I have on my lists are reoccurring features. Some of them are so regular that I don’t even bother to write them down.

There is this sweet moment in many of my days, when my kitchen is all settled for the night. Dinner is cleaned up, dishes are washed, everything is quietly wiped down. Ah. Finished. 

But that only lasts for what seems like a moment. A glass, a bowl, a lunch container that someone left in a vehicle. Crumbs from my husband’s late night peanut butter sandwich. New work to do where everything was just completed. 

If I’m not careful I can let these little things become annoyances to me, which can grow into frustrations. 

It’s a small example, but when I pause, thinking through all I need to steward and care for, so much of it is repetitive. In all of these repeats, I no longer want just to finish them. I want to find a joyful diligence in the effort because that is where I spend so much of my time. 

Joyful and diligence seem like two words that don’t belong side by side. Hard work, persistence, effort, tenacity, what if we could find joy in these places? Joy in the repetition of the tasks and responsibilities that we need to faithfully care for.

“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. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” Hebrews 6:10-12 NIV

The Lord has a love so rich and so great for each of us that He cares to know the tiniest details of our lives. The repetitive tasks, the number of times we tend to them, are fully seen to His eyes. He knows how many times the kitchen has been cleaned, how many loads of laundry done, how many lessons given, stories listened to, how many calls taken, clients seen, patients met with, papers graded, visits made, and customers served. God knows the effort put into it all. 

When we are feeling discouraged or disappointed, He is there with us in the work. The Lord is the giver of joy. To work with Him is to have the opportunity to experience that joy in all circumstances. Joyful diligence, especially in the repetition. 

While there may not be a whole host of new tasks on my to do list, I hope that a renewed attitude, perspective, and approach will bring a joyful diligence to all that fills the hours of my day. May you also find increasing joy as you set upon the repetitive tasks of your days. 

Prayer

Beloved Lord,

Thank You so much for the ways that You are present and knowledgeable in all we do, every moment of our days. Lord, help us to be faithful in all that you have called us to, be it new or something we have tended to hundreds of times before. Help us to see with Your new mercies today, not just what we need to do, but show us how we can do it with joyful diligence.

Lord, for all of those who read this who are feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, frustrated, or weary in their work I ask that You would meet them right where they are at with a double portion of Your compassion. Nourish them, strengthen them, and remind them that they are both seen and heard by You. Give them each a hope to anchor to You and glimpses of how what they do impacts those around them. 

Help us to be led by Your love, to find our security in Your love and care for us. May it fill us with a joy that fuels our diligence for serving others. May we be made new from the inside out, transformed by the renewing of our minds, revealed through way we approach the work of our hands.  

In the joyful and diligent name of Jesus, amen.