We go over to a friend’s new home for dinner. They have three kiddos running around, a blooming side business, and summer activities, amidst the daily ebbs and flows of life. They are in a vastly different season of life than J and I are currently. Even when they went through the stage we’re currently going through, there were different circumstances, made unique with different personalities and jobs and church commitments.

She and I talk about a myriad of things – children to past memories to home-making to church. All four of us bring different perspectives and colors to the evening, God’s beautiful design.

I ask questions and learn about their life, and I think about ours. Different plots to tend, schedules to keep, goals to accomplish.

I bless and encourage her as I can (being a non-mom and about 6 years younger), and we leave around 10pm.

On the way home I reflect on the plot that God has given me to tend right now. 

I’m a wife to a great man, who I love to hang out with and submit to and share life with. I am my church’s graphic designer, a job I am really digging so far. I have been blessed with a home to help keep up, dishes to clean, clothes to wash, clutter to keep from invading every square inch. And I enjoy that! It’s fun to create a space of our own, and one that is comfortable and inviting for people. I am a not-yet-but-hopefully-in-the-future mom, so I spend time outside work reading and doodling, keeping up with friends near and far, loving on and mentoring younger women, exercising, and watching movies with J. We are about to begin leading a small group, which will mean prayerfully and conversationally investing in a handful of lives, opening our home to them, cooking yummy meals for them.

I think of King Solomon’s words: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…” (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

I rejoice in the reality that each of our plots are different, not all are meant to be the same. I actually find a little freedom in the simplicity: No matter the season, God’s desire for me is to be obedient and seek Him with what is in front of me, what I am given.

My tending doesn’t have to look like someone else’s effort, it doesn’t have to be perfect… whatever is in front of me, small or large, work at it with all of my might, giving God glory and leaning in to His presence.

Effort is still effort, no matter the title, no matter how blessed, no matter how productive.

This is the plot I am called to tend: this home, this husband, this job. This life, being redeemed by God with every light and heavy step along the way, with every stretch and leap and joy. 

“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11