The Dishwasher's Prayer

The Dishwasher’s Prayer
By Elise Hooper

As I begin my morning chore, and dishes start to clink,
I ask that You would join me here next to the kitchen sink.
I’m feeling cross and kind of rushed–there’s so much here to do!
This job is never ending and there’s sweeping to do, too!
When all my heart cries out against this work I do each day,
I pray that You would bless me in a very special way.
Grant me a smile as I begin, infuse my heart with joy!
Guide me as I clear the plates and wash where little boys
Left fingerprints for me to wipe and crumbs to sweep away.
May I remember as I serve my loved ones every day
That You began this fine display of service to your friends
And most of all, you serve me, too, and your work never ends.
Today as I am standing here, my hands in sudsy water,
I’m thinking of a time when I’ll be standing with my daughter.
Shall I be cross and pouty then? For surely she will see
That Mama has a sour face and she will mimic me.
Shall I wish to be somewhere else? Or shall I sweetly do
The work my family makes for me? Oh, yes, I’ll serve them too.
So as I wrap my apron round and put away the food
I pray that You would sit and rest and let me serve You, too.
For I know when I do these things for those surrounding me,
I’m also doing them for You. Ah! You have helped me see.


I really like this poem! I need to memorize it and recite it while I'm washing dishes :)


Well Happy New Years soon!
- Madi

Christmas baking

We've had lots of fun lately with making Christmas gifts, shopping, etc. but especially liked decorating a gingerbread house, and making/decorating lots of spritz cookies! Here is a sample of our work : )

Have a very merry Christmas! God bless you!

~Madi

Frosty beauty

                                        An early frost left everything in beautiful little crystals!

Light After Darkness

Light after darkness, gain after loss,
Strength after weakness, crown after cross;
Sweet after bitter, hope after fears,
Home after wandering, praise after tears.

Sheaves after sowing, sun after rain,
Sight after mystery, peace after pain;
Joy after sorrow, calm after blast,
Rest after weariness, sweet rest at last.

Near after distant, gleam after gloom,
Love after loneliness, life after tomb;
After long agony, rapture of bliss,
Right was the pathway, leading to this.
By Frances R. Havergal

This poem made me think of Romans 5:2: "Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
After this life of darkness, fears, and sorrow, we will see Jesus glorified, and we will be with him in paradise. What a wonderful thought!