Dirty Dishes

Today is a special day. Today is the day my dear, loving daughter gets a blog devoted entirely to herself. Jonna dear, this is for you!

On my list of today’s “to-dos” includes putting the dishes away that my 18-year-old daughter washed.

One would think that her level of dishwashing skill would be at least level 410, that of a college senior, right? She has been washing dishes for at least 8 years. By the amount of time she has been studying her craft, she should have her doctorate in it.

Lo and behold, I pull out the first dish, a fry pan. The bottom of the frying pan is covered in grease. Back to the countertop to rewash it goes. Next up, a glass casserole dish I used to make corn in. It still has corn in it. Maybe she is thinking to save me a step for our next meal? The tongs? They still have crisp portions of crumbs on them from turning the baked chicken breasts. The glasses still have milk rings in the bottoms of them and on and on the list goes.

My first reaction is anger. I believe it is righteous anger, so it’s ok! I have been making her rewash dishes for years now. She is a very intelligent gal. This should be grammar school stuff!

I think about calling her up (she’s working) and telling her she is never allowed to eat in this house again! Ok…I have to add a bit of drama and extreme reaction to this or you might think I am perfect…(this is sarcasm…so you know). Instead I run to my computer and begin typing my frustrations away. A few minutes ago, I was filled with anger, now I am laughing my way through this post.

Do you think God is filled with anger when He tells us over and over what to do, how to do it and we still fail? Or do you think He chuckles and says “I know she’s going to get it eventually.” She’s come so far in so many ways. I am a patient God. I have tried her heart and know that she loves me. She will succeed.”

I am not condoning failing again and again. I am saying, our humanness declares we are going to mess up. What we do afterward, how we react determines our future. I love the wisdom in Proverbs 24:16. For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.

Notice here it does not say the righteous man will fall. It says he may. If you find yourself lying in the dirt, again, get up, dust yourself off, and try once more. Do not continue to lay in the muck. Do not get comfortable there.

I would have my dearest daughter rewash the dishes, for the umpteenth time, but she is going to be MIA for a few days. So, I must cover her “failings” with grace. Just like my Father covers me.

Jonna, be careful or your “dirty laundry” is next! hehe