No one wants their life to become a to-do list. And yet, every day brings new things that need doing. My list only seems to grow and never shrink.

Because the to-do list seems to demand control of my day, I run out of time to do fun things like paint or play the ukulele. “Where’s my retirement free time?” I whine.

I was feeling particularly put-upon one day when I barked at my husband. Why am I the one that always empties the dish washer and folds the clothes and empties the trash? How come I have to make the appointment to get the car fixed? When did the job of grocery shopping get assigned to me?

My argument was ill-timed because, unbeknownst to me, he had just spent three hours working on a project that I had been avoiding.

This world is hard, and there is a lot of work involved in living and surviving. This is a result of “the fall” when God pushed the rebellious Adam and Eve out of the garden, announcing that they will have to struggle from now on. Life is struggle.

While this is true, some have it easier than others. When I’m feeling overwhelmed by mundane chores, it is helpful for me to remember how good I have it. I can get clean water just by turning on a faucet while many people in the world don’t have that luxury. I have a warm, safe bed to sleep on every night. And I have my husband, my partner in life, to share all this work with.

“This is how we have come to know love: He laid down his life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭16,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

Everyone has struggles. Usually I have no idea what other people are going through. When I start to whine about my troubles, it’s because I am only thinking about myself. Jesus never whined about His struggles. Why do I have to heal all these sick people? Why do I have to feed 5000 families with only 2 loaves of bread and a few fish? Why do I have to be nailed to that cross when I didn’t do anything wrong?

Love means doing the stuff that needs doing. Even if it seems unfair. Even when people don’t notice how I’m taking care of them. Even when they aren’t grateful. Love means being like Jesus.

Dear God, thank you so much for not whining about your life but doing the stuff of love. Thank you for being a living model of what love means. And thank you so much for going through with your sacrifice so I don’t have to. Give me the strength to humbly and gratefully do all the stuff of love today.