Find your mission field in daily tasks

"I will cry to God Most High, Who accomplishes all things on my behalf (for He completes my purpose in His plan)."

- Psalm 57:2 (AMP)

Decades ago, I sat in church and listened to wonderful stories of people such as Mother Teresa, who built an orphanage to help care for homeless children. I read about missionaries who went to Africa and other far-out places and put themselves in harm's way to bring the light of God to others.

I browsed books about nurses who risked their lives on the battlefield while tending to wounded soldiers.

Looking at these brave souls, I thought my life paled in comparison to what these courageous humans were accomplishing for God. What was I doing that was so courageous or outlandish for God, I pondered. I was a just housewife, mother and part-time nurse in a hospital.

Then one day as I was leaving church, I noticed a small, wooden sign someone had placed above the exit of the sanctuary. Reading these few words, "You are now entering the mission field," changed my whole perspective. In an instant it clicked. I realized I was on my mission field.

Since then, I have understood the spiritual principle that we all have different purposes, vocations, and destinies in this world. Some of our purposes are to serve as missionaries in faraway lands. However, most of us are simply on the mission field of everyday life, serving God in practical ways. Each are equally important.

The tasks we do each day are our mission fields. Someone has to do what we are doing. It's what keeps life going.

There are many examples of this. Farmers are dedicated to working the fields so others can eat. Truckers are driving long hours to deliver goods to many who need those resources. Teachers are instructing valuable life skills.

Cooks and waitresses serve food that nourish our bodies so we can be strong and healthy to fulfill God's plan. Parents are raising children who are all part of the plan. Even our disabilities and limitations are used by God in ways we can't understand.

With a little clarity, we can see every job in life was created to accomplish a purpose and we're all important in the whole plan. Realizing this helps us see how we fit into God's plan for our life and stops the insecure feeling that what we doing is not as important compared to someone else.

We don't realize that even being a friend is an important part of our destiny. Each day, as we come into contact with other men and women in our neighborhood, at the store, or within our household, God uses the encounter in some way.

I recently received a phone call from a friend I hadn't heard from in a while. She is a woman in her 80s and called to share her recent delight in sending cards to others. She was surprised to hear how much the recipients enjoyed receiving them.

She was discovering God uses even the small tasks to fulfill our mission. I believe God doesn't view them as large or small - He equally uses them to as part of the plan.

I think we could live more heartily if we keep in mind that each morning we can be assured we're entering our mission field for the day.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She is hosting a "Writing for Fun or Profit" conference Saturday, June 8, from noon to 3 p.m. in Libertyville. Contact her for details or to register. Annettee can be reached by email at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.