The other day I was preparing a salad for dinner. My husband was studying for a sermon and the kids were busy doing what kids do – asking questions like, “What are we having for dinner? When’s it going to be ready?” All of that in the midst of needing help with homework, a field trip release form that needed to be signed, and gathering supplies for a class project. Due when? Tomorrow.
As I scraped carrots and peeled cucumbers, I thought, “I sure would like to be somewhere by myself right now. Reading or meditating in a quiet place.” And then a voice inside me…
“What you’re doing is important.”
“Really? And how’s that?”
The voice again. “Well somebody’s gotta make the salad.”
Tears filled my eyes as I thought about that.
You see, my husband was preparing a “spiritual” dinner for people who God thinks are very important. A message for them – to change their lives, set them on a different course, or just encourage. A steak dinner of sorts, I suppose.
And the entrée is important, but somebody’s gotta make the salad.
You see, in every ministry – on every job, in every home – there are the salad makers. The people busy running around behind the scenes, paying attention to details, and making sure everything goes well. People like you and me.
So whatever you’re doing right now to make someone else successful – praying, balancing the checkbook, changing diapers, or cleaning toilets – take heart. What you’re doing is important and it’s noticed by God.
Because He knows…and you should know…
Somebody’s gotta make the salad.
Kendra Timberlake, 2004