Matthew.25:23 "His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things. ... Come and share your master’s happiness!’"
I was making my bed the other morning and I had a thought. I wondered how many beds I have made in my lifetime. When I was growing up, making our beds was the first priority of our day. With seven kids in our family, my mom often lost control of the house during the day, but one thing she did have control over were beds that were made. We could not go outside or partake of any of the day’s adventures without first having made our bed. This is one of those things that for me have now become part of my DNA.
In 2014 I heard an amazing speech that was given by Admiral McRaven. He was addressing graduates from the University of Texas at Austin. He was inspiring them on how the little things an individual does can help prepare them for the big things in life. He told these college graduates about the training he withstood to become a Navy Seal. The first thing he told them was the importance the officers placed on making their beds first thing in the morning every morning. They were inspected each day and they had to be made to specific instructions. He stated he felt this was of no importance at the time. In his view they were training to become one of the most elite of warriors and how would making a bed help him in that role.
As he looked back he realized the simple and mundane task of making his bed was an experience that taught him many valuable lessons. He found this to be the first thing he could accomplish in his day. It set him on the right path of doing the next task and then another. When his day was through he had managed to complete many other everyday responsibilities. He also came to understand the importance of the little things. If you cannot accomplish the little things in life how will you ever be ready to face the big challenges that will come your way? Perhaps the favorite thing I learned from him and the importance of bed making is when you have one of those terrible-no-good days where not much is accomplished, at least when you get home your bed has been made by you! It gives you hope that tomorrow will be a better day. Who knew what lessons my mom taught me as she wanted our beds made first thing in the morning. I have never looked at making my bed the same. I see it now as a great way to start my day. Who knew?
Lord, each of us faces daily those mundane tasks that at times make us crazy. Let us remind ourselves those things are a blessing. Whether it is clothes to wash, lawns to mow or dinner to make, we need to do them unto You. We are blessed to have a bed, clothes, lawn, and food and we need to do the best we can with what you have given us.
-Michele
