I Am NOT The Maid
By Deborah Oliver
As I was staring at my messy house this morning, I felt a sense of profound irritation. Last night’s dirty dishes were still on the table. My children have a little habit of “saving” their dinner. This is their polite, evasive way of avoiding a meal they don’t like. One bite into a meal (a bite that took exactly five minutes to get onto the fork and another ten minutes to chew and swallow) they proclaim themselves to be full. My darlings then “save” their plates in case they either get hungry or in case there is a dessert tempting enough to bribe them into eating more.
It is common for me to be greeted by their leftovers and this morning was no exception. As silly as it seems, I HATE facing those plates with the now shriveled remains of an entree that failed the popularity contest. My immediate exclamation was, “I am NOT THE MAID!”
As I was grumbling, I checked myself and began thanking God for these dirty dishes. I realized if I am storing up treasures in heaven, then there will be an enormous pile of sparkling dishes and truck loads full of clean clothes to greet me when I arrive. More importantly, if I am a Christ-like servant then I AM the maid. I lead my family by serving. Ultimately, I hope they will feel the love poured out for them over loads of laundry and sinks full of dishes. I clean their messes just as Christ himself cleans me.
Being the maid is hardly a glorious position. The hours are long, the labor is hard, and the recognition is minimal. However, I’d rather have these treasures in heaven than have earthly treasures parked in my garage bay or in the form of a vacation home in a trendy location. Where my heart is, there my treasure is also and I am thankful for the treasures I have.
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Deborah is a military wife and proud mother of two children. She has been writing for many years, but until recently has never submitted any work. Her educational background is in Biology & Environmental Science. All of God’s creation fascinates her and she particularly enjoys being outdoors.
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6 Comments until now.
I think every wife and mother has felt like a maid at some time. We seem to see the mess everyone else avoids! But, just as you said, I am grateful for growing more Christ-like in my journey and having the heart of a servant. Thanks for sharing with us.
Deborah, Your writing has been a source of inspiration, laughter, a food for thought for me ever since you began sharing it with me. I am so very happy to see that you are sharing it for the world to enjoy. You are truly a living spiritual inspiration.
Elizabeth Elliot has the most marvelous perspective. Her words pierced my heart the moment i read then and the knife turns every single time I feel taken advantage of. As true followers of Christ we are all in pursuit of a servant heart, arent we? Afterall, who wouldn’t want to be known for their servant heart? Such a title befitting of Mother Teresa or missionaries like Amy Carmichael and Elizabeth Elliot.
No, not at all the glorious tasks that beautiful title implies, but those things truly left for the work of a servant. Elizabeth Elliot says of servanthood. The best test to determine if you have a “servant” heart comes from your reaction when someone treats you like one. Sobering! I believe this is one of the most important lessons I’ve learned.
How wonderful that God gives us the honor to bring Him Glory by allowing us to become servant hearts!
Loved your perspective of this!
I do remember those days! Now that my children are all married it’s only when they all come for dinner with the grandchildren that I remember how much of a servant being a mother was. Still I do believe it’s as a mother that we learn the most about servanthood and I’m grateful for the learning.
How many times haven’t I said those exact words! I love your response, thank you, I will remember this next time I start feeling like a maid. It is a privilege and pure joy to be a serving our family isn’t it, I know too many women who can’t have children or can’t find a husband – I would rather wash my families dishes than be in their shoes. Thank you for the gentle reminder. Love Angela xxx
Hi Deborah. I am a newbie to Faithwriters, and am trying to read some of the inspirational blogs.
I am very impressed and inspired by this story! My wife and I have had similar experiences at our house. But what truth you shared as to the real treasures we have in Christ!
God bless you!