small moments and spilled syrup by Starr Cliff

It seems sort of ethereal, doesn’t it? Purpose? I mean…the reason for which I exist. That’s weighty.  Something that should encompass a lifetime and that can only really be understood or achieved over decades.  Something you can’t grab ahold of really but can only just begin to grasp in some unspoken, unnamed way deep in your soul.  A belief that there is a grand purpose that God has me on earth to achieve; a purpose for me alone.

But to be honest, to think of purpose in that grand, intangible way can leave me grasping for purpose in my day to day life of being a wife and mother.  Am I fulfilling my purpose as I pack lunches, wash clothes, and grocery shop?  Surely the spilled maple syrup all over the cabinets and kitchen floor is distracting me from my purpose, and not helping me fulfill it…. right?

I suppose it’s all a matter of perspective.  Sometimes the mundane feels small and insignificant.  And somedays…when God is near and my heart is renewed…the mundane feels like holiness.

For I have just begun to grasp this reality: A lifetime is made of years, made of months, made of weeks, made of days….made of hours.  These small moments.  These small moments are all I have – the total of them becomes my whole life.  The living out of the small moments with Him in mind; that is my purpose.

I am amazed to see how He graciously takes the small moments and weaves them together to create something that matters.  Taking a deep breath and responding with grace to my children….and their souls understand a bit more of His compassion.  Deciding to bite my tongue and pray rather than nag….and a husband’s heart is softened.  Wiping up the syrup with grace instead of scolding….and they experience a small glimpse of His forgiveness and nature.   Ignoring her crassness, not judging her mistakes….and a woman who once felt unlovable begins to open up to the love of her Creator. Persistently loving that boy that causes a scene, who every Sunday says he hates church and hates you….and watching the coldness slowly melt off of him as he worships with hands raised.   Thank you, Lord, that when I commit the small moments to you, they become moments that impact eternity.

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1.  How can you keep in mind that small moments really do matter?  I’m not sure.  I’m still learning!  I’m not gonna lie…there are times when my head hits the pillow in exhaustion and I question if I’ve spent all that energy on anything of real worth…anything at all that really matters in the big scheme of things.  Let’s all keep praying for each other, shall we?

2. How can we define success, and know if we’re living a life of purpose?  Like I said in the post, “purpose” can seem so lofty that it’s hard to define. A few years ago, I wrote a “Motherhood Mission Statement” that helps bring focus to the season of life I’m currently living.  I encourage you to do the same, for whatever season you find yourself!  Here’s mine:

To create a home environment where my family can give and receive the love of God daily

and are inspired to become fully devoted followers of Christ.