It can be difficult, during lulls of life, to find purpose and joy in the moment. It is sometimes hard to see God’s design through all the tasks, commitments, and errands. Living with a cheerful heart, even during the mundane seasons, is possible!
A new season is upon us. Fall is here, but, more annoyingly, it is gnat season. Those little buggers seem to be everywhere and are extremely obnoxious. I’ve picked up my fresh fruits and veggies from the market, and, wouldn’t you know, my produce came with something a bit extra. Free with purchase.
“Oh! Hello, tiny, kamikaze fly, floating in my beautiful cup of coffee.”
Purpose: Mundane Seasons
The audacity. I get it, with everything there is a season, but golly! Turns out, there are a few important reasons for these gnats to exist, but why do they have to live in my house? It would be fine if I had a bird flying around to eat them. It would be awesome if I actually had flowering plants to pollinate. But, alas, I do not. Those little gnats trapped themselves in my home and now they lack purpose.
There have been many seasons in my life when I have felt like that gnat. I felt trapped, without function or significance. I stepped into daily rhythms and monotony with blankness. Unseen chores and sacrifices left me feeling gloomy and worthless. Most recently, I caught myself staring out the window watching the wind toss around leaves.
I actually thought to myself, “The wind has more importance than I do.”
Hold the phone! I allowed Satan to steal my mission, my ambition, my happiness. He whispered in my ear and told me I just wasn’t important enough. “Your tasks are insignificant.” “You have no purpose.” “God can’t use you.”
A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.
Proverbs 17:22, MSG
I fed into these lies, and sent myself spiraling down the rabbit hole. I was tired, lacked interest, and depressed. A bit redundant, but I struggled to find joy in most situations and occasions. I really started to annoy myself. It stinks that it had to go that far, but I finally knelt and prayed to my Father. He responded quickly … and it hit me! A lesson I had learned when I was little…
Purpose: A Joyful Heart
Growing up, I always enjoyed spending time at Aunt C’s house. She taught me a lot of practical things. For instance: how to fold towels properly, how to plant flowers, how to pull weeds, how to pick veggies from the garden (my favorite), how to wash dishes by hand. She taught me how to hang clothes on the line and make a bed. She taught me how to can and preserve food – so awesome! Aunt C’s home was spotless (I bet she never had a gnat), her meals were homemade and delicious, her yard was beautiful.
The most important lesson Aunt C taught me was not one she spoke to me, but one I learned from watching her. Do all things with a joyful heart. She did her work without complaint or frown. I’m sure she had moments, but I never saw one. Her example was so valuable to me that I remember it still. I have this little mantra on repeat in my head when I feel Satan start to creep in, “With a joyful heart, with a joyful heart…”
Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters, remembering that it is the Lord Christ who is going to pay you, giving you your full portion of all he owns. He is the one you are really working for.
Colossians 3:23-24, TLB
I never knew why Aunt C’s lesson was so significant to me until I became a wife and mommy. Day to day tasks, like I said before, can get repetitious. Especially when you feel those duties are invisible. One thing that pulls me out of this mindset is that phrase. Remembering that God sees my work and sees my heart as I work, changes my attitude. God purposed me for these moments and I will carry them out with a happy attitude.
I knew you before you were formed within your mother’s womb; before you were born I sanctified you and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.
Jeremiah 1:5, TLB
Before I was even conceived, I was given purpose by my Creator. For this season, I am to establish an atmosphere where Christ can dwell. A home where I can encourage His purposes for children’s and husband’s lives. A home where gnats dwell… if only to inspire me to write this post.
Before I was even conceived, I was given purpose by my Creator. Click To Tweet
Your turn…
Has God called you to a specific season, recently?
How have you surrendered your heart to happiness?
If you have found this inspiring, share the encouragement…
When you are doubting or criticizing yourself that is darkness and satan doing his work. Recognize this to banish him and bring in the light and joy Heavenly Father wants all of us to have.
Absolutely, Candy! It’s so important to recognize those sneaky lies Satan whispers!
So important. Thanks for writing this!
Thanks for reading, Nicole! <3
I loved hearing about the things your Aunt C taught you. Such wonderful memories you have of your Aunt!
Thank you, Carri! I adore her! She’s a beautiful example of a Godly woman, and I can only aspire to be half of what she is! She’s a precious soul! I’m glad I can share a piece of her life with you!
Right on time, thank you so much for letting God use you to write this and be his instrument .
Thank you, Dee! I pray you find your heart happy in all you do!
I think being willingly, obedient with a content heart in the mundane moments is such a beautiful thing. It shows so much trust in who God is, that He is a God of the smallest details as well as the greatest achievements!
Well said, Kristi! I love how obedience to God, results in our happiness!
Such a great reminder. As I deal with a daily illness, sometimes it can be a struggle as I wait on Him for complete healing. Thanks again!
Thank you, Crystal! That’s a struggle I haven’t been touched by, I pray for healing in Jesus’ name and that happiness would find it’s home in your heart! <3
I totally resonate with this. I really struggle to find joy when there’s no “big adventure”… I am totally working on it!
I can relate, Laura! My “big adventure” includes folding tiny socks, and all the other monotonous tasks that come with that territory! It’s still a process, but I’m changing my heart… one little sock at a time! <3
For the past two years, God has called me and my hubby to Charlotte, NC for my husband’s seminary program so that he can one day teach theology at the college level. I support my husband’s calling, and many parts of this journey have been great, but other parts of it have been very long, tiresome, and hard. Remembering that this is only a season is extremely helpful. In fact, he graduates in December! Woot woot! But God has been good the whole time.
Wow, Kristin! Congrats to you and your husband, first of all! I pray God opens a door, quickly, with just the right career! Secondly, I’m so happy you found solace in the same mindset I did! With everything there is a season, might as well have a happy heart during the rainy season! <3 PS We aren't too far in distance!
Thank you so much for sharing this. I think it’s easy to forget that a cheerful disposition is actually good FOR us! We can choose joy and thanksgiving in the mundane! There is beauty there, too!
Amen, Mary! It IS good for us! (inside and out) It’s also good for those around us, those we impact and interact with on the daily! When Mommy is happy, everyone is happy! 🙂
“Before I was even conceived, I was given purpose by my Creator.”
Wow. So important. So true. Thank you for the reminder.
Thank you, Bailey! That’s one of the more important take aways from this post! Knowing you’ve been predestined, and having a joyful heart because of it! <3
Yes! The everyday and ordinary are so much holier than we know. Thanks for sharing your heart! Aunt C sounds like goals to me…
Yes, absolutely, goals! Thank you, Cattie! I love the way you put that… “holier than we know”. That’s a great reminder too! <3
This is a good read, I am Learning that life should be purposefully lived, we get so caught up in our day to day hustled and can easily loose track of what truly matters.
Amen, Denise! Purposeful living is extremely difficult, but so very important!
Lately, I’m in a season of waiting wordlessly – for an author that’s an uncomfortable place to be! Oh – I’ve written words for blog posts and social media, but not the fiction I am certain He wants me to write. But this waiting – it’s all part of His plan. I’m trusting Him even when I wonder why. Thank you for reminding me to do all things with a joyful heart. Even this. Or maybe especially this.
You’re right, Joy! Even the waiting is a “season”, and should be approached with happiness and joy! (Just like your name!) PS I can’t wait to read this fiction! <3
Beautiful post! It gives me so much hope to know we each have a God-given purpose.
Thank you, Julie Jo! Hope in Him brings pure joy of the heart!!
Thank you for this reminder! We can lose our direction easily, can’t we? I’m made for a purpose!
Yes, Julie! That sneaky Devil likes to distract our hearts!
Oh the stories that the “average gnat” can teach! Such truth!
Oh the stories that the “average gnat” can teach! Such truth! Love the reminder of something so pure as purposeful joy!
Thank you, Lisa!! Seriously, what’s with the gnats!?
Katie this such a great post! When we set about to do things willful and begrudged we miss opportunities for blessings. However, when we have a willing attitude and a heart of joy we experience the beauty and peace all around us. That can be so hard in our day to day tasks! I was struggling with folding laundry. Talk about repetitive. It also feels useless because I know I’m likely going to be folding the same pair of socks next week. I found that to be the time that Satan was dropping negative thoughts. I have now turned folding clothes into a time where I listen to Christian music and sing to push out negative thoughts!
Thank you, Melissa! I agree. I have found that in days that I have kept my attitude in line to God’s commands, I see so much beauty. I’m inspired, I laugh, my children laugh! However, the days I let my negativity get the best of me, are the days Satan creeps in and destroys the peace in our home! I, too, struggle with the laundry. I have done the same thing you have… I now take that time to listen to music or an uplifting podcast! Thank you for reading! <3
Great post, I feel like seasons have definitely changed in my life pretty regularly. I’m once again finding a new season, but praising God He has a plan and always has had one for me!
Hallelujah for God’s beautiful plan! Always keep that mindset and heart, Michelle! <3 Be blessed!
Wow! So good, I have been waiting on a healed body and am joyful every day believing that my savior heals. I pray daily against the devils lies and welcome my Lord into this body that was created for Him. His goodness is all around us and we cannot miss His blessings in the mundane.
Amazing outlook, Desiree! A lot of healing starts in the mind! Keep that positive and joyful disposition! Prayers for complete healing! <3 Be blessed!
I love this! In every season we have a purpose. I have a friend that goes about her days like your Aunt C. She is joyful to be doing whatever task she has been given, and I always strive to be that way. Thanks for sharing!
That’s a great friend to have, Sydney! Someone who can remind us of how Christ commands us to be! Thank you for reading! <3
Good reminders to “stay the course” with joy. In the midst of repetitive, mundane chores I’ll ask myself if I’m engaging as well at home as I would be doing similar chores on a mission trip. This always helps me re-check my spirit!
Great thought process, Dianna! That’s very helpful! I often think, “If Jesus we’re here, would I be this grumpy?” (This is usually when I’m doing the dishes.)
I love this. Laundry always inspires me to whine. It is important to discipline oneself to joy!