Unless we are uber famous, most of our lives are lived behind the scenes. Out of the spotlight. Unseen. Unrecognized. Often unappreciated.
In fact – behind the scenes – is the perfect job description for motherhood, especially for stay-at-home mamas.
If we manage to do behind the scenes well, life is seamless. We appear put together. Food is on the table. The house is clean. Clothes are clean. People end up where they need to be when they need to be there. Everyone is happy, well-cared for, and loved.
All. Behind. The. Scenes.
The only time everyday behind the scenes tasks are noticed tends to be when they are left undone. We appear disheveled. Food isn’t on the table. The house is a mess. There is no clean laundry. People aren’t where they need to be when they need to be…we get the idea.
Everyday monotonous tasks that drain our energy, consume our time, and rarely make headlines or even social media posts. Yet these moments shape our worlds and the lives of those within our spheres of influence.
With each behind the scenes task we set the stage for how we and those around us walk through life. Are we frazzled and hurried or calm and collected? Are we yelling like a drill sergeant or communicating concisely with gentleness and love?
And we complete these tasks, not because we necessarily love them, but because we love those for whom we complete them. These tasks become tangible expressions of “I love you:”
“I love you” – enjoy this nutritious food to fuel your body.
“I love you” – here is your clean laundry.
“I love you” – let me take you where you need to go.
Contrast this to the spotlight. Come on, the spotlight is exhilarating. We get immediate feedback. Work accomplished in the spotlight never goes unnoticed.
And this very idea of work in the spotlight never going unnoticed brought a familiar verse to mind:
For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.
Luke 8:17 – ESV
In all honesty, I have always read this verse as menacing – nothing done in secret is actually secret, God knows, so make good choices. A big brother is watching us scenario.
And while that may be part of the intent, what if it is also meant to be an encouraging reminder that nothing is done in secret?
God sees all. God knows all. Our behind the scenes hustling is noticed. It may not be in the spotlight today, but one day we will hear – “well done good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:23),” when it really counts.
When it comes to living a life of faith we are called to be:
- A servant to all (Mark 9:35)
- Become last (Mark 9:35)
- Love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31)
These admonitions sound like the epitome of behind the scenes living.
So today when we set about everyday behind the scenes tasks, may we feel appreciated and noticed by God. With God there is no behind the scenes, everything is center stage. He sees our hustle. He sees our faithfulness, even when others do not.