13 May 2008

Seeing the Sacred in the Midst of the Mundane


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Treasure Box: Exodus 28:3; 31:3; 35:26, 35; 36:1 (KJV)

The uses of the word "wisdom" in the book of Exodus in the Scripture occur when the Lord places wisdom within the heart of people in order to do the work of making the priestly garments for Aaron, the High Priest (a prefigure of Christ as our High Priest) and constructing and decorating the Temple where God dwelt among His people (a foreshadow of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit). Special wisdom was given from the Lord for workmanship, craftsmanship, spinning of yarn, engraving, embroidering, weaving...the art of making practical things beautiful and meaningful in service to Him and to the family of faith. Beautiful, not only in their appearance, but also because they were offered in holy service. Meaningful because of to Whom they were offered.

The sacred in the seemingly insignificant.

I couldn't help but see a parallel in my own life. So much of my life is filled with cycling laundry; preparing meals; cleaning house; ferrying children; wiping noses; coordinating logistics to rival any CEO; making mini habitats for captive toads, turtles, and tadpoles; filling rooms with birthday balloons...many mundane things. Not usually viewed as deep, spiritual disciplines. However, Lord, the most humble and simple task may be holy and sacred when it is offered intentionally as a gift, to You, even as an act of worship.

We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed.
-- Brother Lawrence, "The Practice of the Presence of God"

For even when we simply embrace a child, in His name, we embrace Him.

How beautifully simple.

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