Uniform of Service

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

— Colossians 3:12-14

“I don’t want to wear my unicorn!” Declares my 3 year old daughter while attempting to get ready for daycare. She meant uniform. Yes, even at age 2 their school requires uniforms. She much rather wear a sparkle dress, but alas she settles for pretty pants with her school uniform polo. Meanwhile, my husband who’s in the Army has his uniform packed in a duffle ready to head to Fort Carson. Often I wish he would wear it around the house more. What woman doesn’t like a man in an armed services uniform, right? But for him, he doesn’t want to take work home with him so he deliberately packs it each morning to change at the office, and changes back into civilian clothes before he leaves and returns home for the evening.

These scenes play out in my mind as I open the pantry to grab an apron. Should I wear the red one with white polka dots or the one with cute Italian lemons? Aprons seem to be much less common today amongst my fellow Momma girl friends than how they were used historically. When I think of aprons in the past, I envision frontier settlers with women in a farmhouse that don an apron to keep the dust and dirt off their dresses. With only a few sets of clothing, it’s worth sparing the dirt to save a load of handwashing the laundry. Or I think of the women on the 1950’s with their darling mid calf length dresses that wear an apron to keep their dress tidy because they want to look lovely for their husbands.

And here I am wearing sweats and walking around with my shirt wet around the midline because I’m pressed up against the counter while washing dishes and bottles. So instead of grumbling about the chores and walking around looking like a mess, I choose to reach for my uniform of service: the apron.

It’s what I can wear to make my home a place of peace by keeping it clean. It’s what I wear to protect decent clothing because I want to be presentable and attractive for my husband. It’s what I wear to model to my daughters that it’s an honor to serve our household. Plus when she sees my apron she wants to dress up in her pink polka dot apron and help cook or clean too.

There are days when I want to stomp my foot and say, “I don’t want to wear my unicorn!” Which translates to Mom talk of, “I don’t want to clean the bathroom or fold the laundry!” And that is exactly when I need to be reminded of my spiritual uniform, take a breath, and pray.

“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14

It is helpful to physically put on my apron to turn my attitude from grumbling to joy as I roll up my sleeves in selfless service to bless my family.

I encourage you, fellow Mommas, to allow Jesus to open up your spiritual wardrobe, and gracefully reach for your uniform of service. Ask Him to help your heart be joyful around the house as you go about your daily routines. Put the finishing touch on your outfit by tying around your waist a ribbon of love.

Mothering Breath Prayer: