I wipe the cat prints
from the windowsills
I glide a paper towel
across the stair steps
to collect the airy tumbles
of cat hair gathering
in the corners.
Even as I dread the litter boxes
(we have two)
I praise God for the lives
He has entrusted me with
that I have their lives to cherish
and maintain
And as I move about the house
and yard, sweeping dirt and
debris from the garage
I realize this is the meaning
of life right here:
To rise and make the coffee,
to feed the cats their kibble,
take out the garbage,
sweep the porch,
plan a trip to the store,
all of those things
lesser mortals count
for drudgery beneath
their lesser selves,
the kind of work
fit only for women
and children.
As I do not despise
women and children
I wonder what kind of person
despises work so much
he entrusts important tasks
(they’re all important)
to people they despise
I am honored to serve
and clean and maintain
for this is what it’s all about
what Jesus meant when He said
those who humble themselves
will be exalted
For I am already exalted
and honored to be here
to bring order to chaos
to make wrongs right
clean that mess
On a far smaller scale
than what my Lord does
but at least I’m striving
to be like Him
Even as my heart is
incomplete
malformed
rank with hatreds
and resentments
I struggle to shake
At least I can serve
now I must to learn to forgive
(starting with myself)
and feel compassion for those
who look down on me
for not indulging their own
sickness of soul
Cleaning a kitchen is nothing.
A heart truly like Christ’s
is everything,
and so much harder
to achieve.
Taking out the trash
is only the beginning
Lord, I will need
Your help
for the rest.
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