Confession 114: Don't Break The Dishes!

Lately, we've been having our boys do a bit more clean-up around the house. Okay, that's a total stretch. We've been having them put their dishes in the sink after meals and, occasionally pick up some toys. Stephen, our two year old, is the type of kid who takes life at a full run, smashing into whatever comes his way. We call him, affectionately, "The Hoss". He doesn't just put dishes into the sink, he chucks them in with full gusto. We've started adding an "oompaa!" after each toss.

Before we moved, we had a stainless steel sink, so the dishes had a fairly soft landing. In our new home, however, the sink is ceramic. Ceramic dishes, ceramic sink--you get the idea. In the past two days we have lost a plate and a small bowl, not a calamity, but between Stephen and the movers, we're running out of dishes!

This made me think that in our efforts to "help" sometimes, we can also end up smashing things instead. How often have you tried to do something to help someone else clean up a mess, only to make more of a mess instead? My husband, unfortunately, is always at the receiving end of this with me. His second most common phrase to me, after "I love you", is: "Well, this is another fine mess you've created for me." The most recent was the other day when I was out mowing the lawn. I mow with as much gusto as my son throws dishes, the result being that I ran over a water main cover and "broke" the lawn mower. Chris was so pleased when I asked him to look at the lawnmower for me, a.k.a., fix it!

I think, oftentimes, I do the same with God. I blunder my way through life with the best intentions only to end up asking God to "fix it!" after my good intentions have gone astray. Instead, it would be better if I took my time, carefully listening to God and following in his lead. I read this from Psalm 25 recently, and it has stuck with me: "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are my God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."

May we live life with gusto this day and smash as little as possible!

Blessings and Peace,
Sara