In whatever it is that we want in life... there just isn't a time when something is "finished." Yes, sure there is completion of tasks, but then life happens. Stuff gets undone. Houses get dirty. Learning gets forgotten. Emotions don't last. Money falls through your hands like sand. Ideal weights become what I used to weigh.
It feels like everything I do in life gets undone. Raising 3 very small children magnifies these feelings by a thousand, because everything I do gets undone by threes. The monotony of laundry, dishes, meals, diapers, wardrobe changes, discipline, and repeat can make a person feel crazy.
I have been struggling with this concept lately. To the people close to me, I have been complaining about lacking productivity and a sense of worth. I thought I was past this... I already lived my teenage years. I accomplished stuff. I got a degree. I taught school with all its ratings and reports for both me and my students. I led Bible study. I had my list of "completed" things.
The funny thing is that even my list of "completed" things did not stick. Yes, I still have my little list of accomplishments, but the fulfillment I found actually came from the process of doing them. A sense of purpose does not last because you were once the person who did something great. It comes from doing what you are doing for God's glory: serve others as unto the Lord.
So, where does all of this lead? ... Let's store up treasures in heaven.
Set Your Heart there.
Matthew 6:19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Even degrees don't give what God does.
Colossians 2:2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.
Clean the house anyways... and give the glory to God.
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
In whatever it is that we want in life... there just isn't a time when something is "finished." Yes, sure there is completion of tasks, but then life happens. Stuff gets undone. Houses get dirty. Learning gets forgotten. Emotions don't last. Money falls through your hands like sand. Ideal weights become what I used to weigh. BUT Christ, His Glory, His Gifts, His Calling, and His People are FOREVER. Praise Him... and let's do His work today. =)