Everyday Worship…
It’s not about church or silence or lengthy prayer or even calm quiet with Him.
It’s about living and loving and serving amidst othe chaos of snotty noses and dirty dishes and kids who just can’t seem to get along.
My everyday worship looks more like…
Doing dishes with a song in my heart, or teaching my preschoolers about patience.
Folding laundry even though my eyes are sleepy, or listening to a kid-story that I’ve already heard a few times too many.
Looking up from my work and into their eyes.
Stopping to hug my husband even if I’m in the middle of something.
All this and more makes up my everyday worship.
It’s counting my blessings in the midst of real pain or confusion or doubt because the blessings are many.
It’s choosing to be purposeful in my parenting but still at peace.
It’s dancing in the car with the Christian radio station turned up. Little hands waving in the air to the beat and grins plastered on their faces.
It’s feeling the sting of conviction when that small voice asks, “Are you happy, Mommy?” when she knows I am not. And choosing to let go and embrace real joy.
It’s planning family fun night even when I’d rather just relax.
It’s the heart-swell of awe and thankfulness that comes from seeing something truly beautiful, be it a mountain or the ocean or a sunset, or a preschooler’s delight over a firefly captured in her hand.
My everyday worship.
It doesn’t just happen at church, folks.
Jen 🙂
I learned so much about worship and living out my purpose in everyday faithfulness in the seemingly small things from this book by Rick Warren (affiliate link):
Mel says
It doesn’t just happen at church…yes. I think sometimes the worship most beautiful to Him can be found in those little, completely normal, moments in our days. Love this…thank you for sharing! Happy Friday! 🙂
stultsmamaof4 says
Thanks, Mel! I’m glad you stopped by.
Jen 🙂
Jedidja says
Thank you! Its great to read your blog again.
stultsmamaof4 says
You’re so sweet! Thanks for taking time to encourage me today.
Jen 🙂
Mommynificent says
What a good reminder of things I know but forget. Thank you for reminding me that every moment can be worship – I don’t have to wait for the beautiful ones.
Tina
stultsmamaof4 says
I need that reminder from time to time, too. 🙂 Reading “The Purpose Driven Life” a few years back really changed my view on my household tasks! Thanks for stopping by.
Jen 🙂
Linda@Creekside says
Yes, Jen … the dailyness of it all only magnifies His beauty and the huge role He plays in our everydayness …
stultsmamaof4 says
He does play a huge role, doesn’t He?! I love what you took out of this.
Jen 🙂
Debi Stangeland (@DebiStangeland) says
Wonderful words my friend. You really nailed it – worship is truly in the everyday. Great job!
stultsmamaof4 says
Thank you, Debi. Your words are too kind!
Jen 🙂
Cheri says
Amen, Jen! I think we were on the same wave length this week with FMF! I love how you call it everyday worship. Blessings!
stultsmamaof4 says
Thanks, Cheri! I noticed that trend, too. Must be that we mamas need a little reminder that the everyday moments count, too. Thanks for stopping by!
Jen 🙂
Mia says
Hi Jen
I honestly believe that everything we do out of love for Pappa, becomes an act of worship; a gift from the depth of our hearts!
Blessings XX
Mia
stultsmamaof4 says
Amen to that, Mia. Because if we do all we do, but have not love, then our actions are worthless. We’re working on having happy hearts here in our house, and some days it is a real challenge. But He is worthy!
Jen 🙂
Lori Ferguson (@Ready2Encourage) says
Oh, so true – Worship doesn’t just happen at church!
I loved reading your list – and it made me take a look at my own days. It’s funny that when you only have responsibility over yourself (our kids are grown) the mindfulness it takes to worship all through the day has less urgency. I think I was more deliberate when my kids and I were homeschooling.
Thanks for the reminder to dig deeper… 🙂
stultsmamaof4 says
It’s funny you should mention that, Lori. Earlier this week, I was thinking back to when our twins were little, and I was so disciplined!! I had no choice, really, in order to survive. I’d like to get back to that discipline and living with even more intent than I do now. Thanks for visiting!
Jen 🙂
Gisela Dieter says
I love it! Thank you for this wonderful post. Worship doesn’t just happen at church…what an important thought to keep in mind always…
stultsmamaof4 says
Thanks for stopping by, Gisela!
Jen : )
melcaldicott says
I love this post! Romans 12:1 is one of my favourite verses. Everyday worship is about our hearts.
Thanks for linking up at Essential Fridays.
Blessings
Mel from Essential Thing Devotions.
lisha epperson (@seespkhearmama) says
hey Jen! this was lovely. yes! let’s be mindful that worship is for every…day. thanks for joining the Sunday Community!