Why God Does Not Fold Laundry

Blog Published: January 5, 2015
By Sister Julie

Savage Chickens - Dread - Monday8:03 a.m. Sometimes Mondays really feel like a Monday. Stuff has piled up over the weekend -- work, laundry, email, dishes, and God knows what else. It's all in a tangled heap, everything is urgent, nothing is working out, and oh by the way, where is God is all this?

The tidy theological response of course -- and indeed the one that our entire faith relies on -- is that God is right here with us. Hrumph. That does not exactly help with the tangled heap, now does it? I would be grateful if God could just take a moment out of saving the world and fold some clothes for me. Is that too much to ask?

I wonder though, as I sit here frustratingly pounding on the keys of my keyboard, if maybe I got it backwards. (Really, I wouldn't be surprised given how the day is going so far.) Maybe I am the one who might take a moment out of the tangled heap and help God fold some clothes. Maybe knocking out even one little task will help God move salvation history forward one more day.

Tags

Recent Comments

Submitted by marla h. thurman on Mon, 01/05/2015 - 23:04

Permalink

How *does* one go about helping God move salvation history forward? Are you speaking metaphorically? Does folding a shirt equal forgiving someone I cannot forgive? Or is the actual act of folding contributing to God's great plan?

I have great fears about this. I rarely have things of value piling up. Laundry, yes. I have crying towels that I could use help laundering. Worthy acts that might contribute to God's salvation history, not so much. I forgave my mother, who tried to beat and molest God out of me her entire life. I attempt other great spiritual acts. "Attempt" is the key word here.

"A worm and no (wo)man am I, despised by all in my sin." I cannot move with my own salvation. Can I really help with God's? If so, please share the secret of how.

Once I *knew* I was doing what was pleasing to God. No more.

Submitted by JudyK on Wed, 01/07/2015 - 16:37

Permalink

Marla, I think that every act that is not contrary to the will of God moves salvation history forward. As we do God's will, others will see us, and hopefully desire to do the same, that is to do the will of God. When all people are doing the will of God, then the cause of moving salvation history forward will be nearing completion. When we are living the petition of the Lord's Prayer, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven..." when all people are living this petition, we are moving closer to the Kingdom, for what is Heaven but that place (state) where the will of God is accomplished fully. So yes, folding a shirt, for the love of God contributes to God's plan. Picking up a pin for the love of God contributes to God's plan. Even the most insignificant action, performed for the love of God, contributes to God's plan. I do need to strive to live this way myself. Sometimes it does not occur to me to offer each and every action for love of God. It is a habit I need to cultivate.

Submitted by Sister Maxine on Thu, 01/08/2015 - 08:18

Permalink

JudyK, What a beautiful reflection and response! Much food for thought. Thank you!