Stewardship in Practice | Finding Meaning in the Mundane
Stewardship sometimes looks like scrubbing a tub no one else wants to clean
There’s one household chore I genuinely dislike: cleaning the bathroom.
Not because I don’t value a clean latrine (see what I did there lol). But because I live with all boys. And if you know, you know. I’ve even prayed for the day I can outsource this task entirely. Just a few more zeros in the bank account, Lord!
But for now, it’s on me. The tub, the sink, the floor, the….toilet (eek!)—every inch of that bathroom is my responsibility. And recently, as I was elbow-deep in cleaning the tub, admittedly not with the right attitude (because soap scum mixed with body juice and hair is just…ugh), I felt the Spirit convict me and remind me of what Jesus meant by washing the disciples feet.
It’s not the kind of connection I expected to make. But there I was, sponge in hand, reflecting on the moment in John 13 when the Son of God—our Teacher, our Savior—stooped low, wrapped a towel around His waist, and did the unthinkable: He washed dusty, calloused, probably-stinky feet. Work that was reserved for the lowest of servants.
And He did it with love.
He did it to show us something.
The Mundane Can Be Holy
We don’t talk enough about how hard it can be to find meaning in the mundane. So much of stewardship—the kind that shapes character and cultivates faithfulness—happens behind closed doors. No applause. No Instagram reel. Just obedience.
Cleaning a tub isn’t glamorous. Neither is folding laundry, packing lunches, or waking up early to pray before the house comes alive. But these small acts, done in love, are sacred.
They are modern-day foot washing.
When I choose to serve my family through these everyday tasks, I’m not just managing a household. I’m practicing humility. I’m creating space for peace and restoration. I’m honoring God by honoring those He’s entrusted to me.
A Steward’s Prayer Over a Sponge
After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.
John 13: 12-17
I’ve started using these moments of cleaning as opportunities to pray. Not out loud. Just a quiet conversation with God as I scrub:
“Lord, as I clean what others leave behind, remind me that You stooped low for me. Let this be more than a chore—let it be a way I show love, serve humbly, and remember Your grace.”
That simple prayer shifts my posture. I stop grumbling and find grace. I find purpose in my labor.
It reminds me that stewardship isn’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes, it looks like a sponge, a prayer, and a heart willing to love in the little things.
Stewardship in Practice:
What’s one mundane task in your life you can reframe as a sacred act of service?
Drop a comment or hit reply—I’d love to hear how you’re finding meaning in the mundane.
And if this reflection resonated with you, consider sharing it with a friend who might need a reminder that their unseen work matters.
This was a good reminder to do everything “as to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:23) thanks for sharing!!
I've thought of my mundane work around the house as serving the LORD and stewarding what He has given me, but I never put it in the context of washing feet. Thank you for sharing this as it's given me something else to think about as I work around the house.