40 Days of Prayer: Let Your Light Shine, Matthew 5:16, Week 6, Day 4

I work part-time as a housekeeper at a local hotel; it’s a fairly new gig for me. Admittedly, it’s a task that requires more humility than I tend to possess . . . especially when I first began. I was elbow deep in a mess that wasn’t my own, complaining about the carelessness of guests, and arguing in my spirit about having such a menial job when the Lord simply asked, “Can you make beds for my glory?” I said, “Yes,” hastily, but “How, Jesus?” was my immediate rebuttal.
You see, the goal of a housekeeper is to remain rather unseen. We quietly invade a space just long enough to make it welcoming again. The only thing that should linger is a fresh scent! So, aside from the bedside Bible, I didn’t know what inspiration was to be found in fluffed pillows or hospital corners. Is it even possible to share the good news of Jesus when nobody is present to receive Him?
Well, I’m beginning to understand that nothing is wasted in God’s economy! Our Lord makes Himself visible in all sorts of ways, including the inconspicuous deeds of a housekeeper. For wherever we shine our light, that place is illuminated, even if only one’s spirit is able to perceive it. When there are no words exchanged to convey our faith, our willingness becomes our witness. The works of our hands point to the heart of Jesus, for service speaks of God’s love in a language that every homesick soul can understand.
Reflection Prayer
Father, help us to seek Your glory, and may You make Yourself evident in all our deeds. Please soften our hearts to serve one another in genuine love and humility. Oh, Lord, that You would make us bearers of Your light in every task, we pray. Amen.

By Sarah Grimes