If most households were like the one I grew up in and the one I’m in now, washing dishes would be a source of angst for the siblings responsible for doing it. The question “Whose turn is it?” is a relief for one and an agony for the other. However, no one complains about the eating that produced the dishes.
A kitchen with dirty dishes piled up in the sink, pots and pans on the stove with grease marks daring you to attempt to remove them, and limited counter space to maneuver is not a welcoming sight. Yet, over the years, my view of washing dishes has progressed from focusing on the immediate, unwelcoming sight to envisioning the end product of a sparkling, spotless kitchen.
When I choose to help my children with the task, this mindset adjustment motivates me, knowing that each utensil cleaned brings me closer to the goal. It will not be accomplished in the blink of an eye, but with patience and diligence, one item at a time.
Life is like a kitchen. As long as we keep living, it will keep getting dirty with the problems that come our way. We will need to do some scrubbing, washing, rinsing, and drying. And when you think you’re almost done, someone brings more stuff that needs cleaning that you hadn’t anticipated. Isn’t that so annoying?
Yet no matter how daunting and overwhelming life’s issues are, one reality remains. We can only tackle so much at any given point in time. The temptation is to try to make it all disappear with the snap of our fingers. But it doesn’t happen like that most often.
Jesus provided an approach to life in Matthew 6:34, which says, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
He wanted us to take life one day at a time because,
1. Today has enough for us to handle. By focusing on the totality of our challenges, we can easily become overwhelmed, discouraged, and frustrated.
2. Our efforts are best used to address today’s challenges and to enjoy today’s blessings.
3. As we address today’s issues with intentionality, focus, and consistency, we will observe progress and success over time.
Monumental challenges and tasks won’t always be instantly resolved. But with a persistent and prayerful approach to tackle what’s in your reach, one day at a time, progress will be made. So, tackle what you can today.