Grunt Work
It’s three o’clock. Not sunny afternoon three, but stayed up almost all night three. After spending ten days with us, my daughter and her family are heading back to sunny California. But before she left, she was determined to finish the quilt kit I’d gotten her for her birthday. So she sewed; and I cut fabric and ironed seams. For those who don’t quilt, cutting and ironing really are important, but not very glamorous. It’s kind of the “grunt” work of quilting. When her hubby was admiring the quilt top in its almost finished condition, I told him, “Your wife sewed every stitch on this.” He was impressed, she was encouraged, and I was blessed.
A part of me just loves being a “helpmate.” I like helping other people get things done, whether it’s helping one of my daughters with a quilt, editing a research paper, or teaching a Bible study for teen girls with my twenty-something co-teacher. It’s not about getting credit. It’s about making it possible for someone else to accomplish something. I don’t help because I think they can’t do it without me; I help because when we work together we get more done, we get it done faster or we get better results.
I used to always want credit for what I had done, but I’m learning that more gets accomplished when the individuals on a team aren’t tooting their own horns.
I’m a believer in Christ. Not all modern day abolitionists are, but for those who are, here’s some “grunt” work for you to do…if you are willing.
Give up a meal or even a day of meals. Spend extra time in prayer that day. Ask God to strengthen Will and Cathy, to give them specific direction, pray for their family, their health, their marriage and safe travels. Ask God to prepare the hearts of those who will be hearing about trafficking—maybe for the first time. Pray for those enslaved. Pray for the pimps and the johns. Pray for the logistics of setting up their first overseas base. Ask God to show you other areas that need to be covered in prayer.
It won’t be glamorous. Honestly, it will be hard. You will get distracted or discouraged or bored—or all three. Please don’t give up. It’s important work, even if no one knows you’re doing it.
Prayer moves the hand of God. And if there were ever a battle in which we need God’s intervention, this is it. Don’t underestimate the power of your sincere prayers.
Be that helpmate…because EveryOne Matters!
Wonderfully written, thank you Lisa!
Sometimes the best thoughts come in the middle of the night. Praying for Will and Cathy right now.