Scrubbing the Bathroom (Part I)

As I was scrubbing down my bathroom this afternoon, a few thoughts came to mind: First, I do not clean my bathroom nearly as often as I ought to! Secondly, I love that my kids want to help me, but why must they insist on being right there beside me, asking me for more soap after every swipe? Thirdly, how absolutely disgusting, and how did that get there?! …I certainly didn’t do it! And finally, how come I didn’t see that before -- Ewe?!

I had an epiphany. What an incredible metaphor for our lives.

This is a journey, and as we learn who we are, and meant to be, we discover new things…some good, some not-so.

Every time I entered the bathroom I would cringe at the thought of what might be lurking in the corners, waiting for me. The dust, the streaky mirror, and the bathtub ring were all a shameful reminder of the less then perfect state of my bathroom -- just as my temper, jealousy, and laziness display to my friends, my family, and myself the state of my heart.

…Never mind the stuff that can’t be seen.

And although I wait eagerly for it to magically disappear, I am told that without a little elbow grease and a good cleaner it’s not going away. Boo-urns. I can put it off for so long, but eventually the job becomes too big for a measly sponge and orange scented all-purpose spray…and it’s not long until I’m trying every concoction under the sink, the smell of bleach lingering in my nostrils for the duration of the week. Exhausted and annoyed that I had let it get to that point.

But instead of waiting for the magical scum fairies, getting disappointed at their neglect, why not change the tune of my prayer? I can spend a lot of time asking God to take away my temper, fill me up, show me the right path, and give me joy--but in order to sparkle, we must first scrub away the filth. So I roll up my sleeves, get on my knees, and reach for my cleanser….

“God, it is my desire to serve. To walk in your will. Show me, where am I dusty? What is hiding under the faucet…and dare I ask; the toilet? What can’t I see that is potentially harmful? Show me what is needed to make this tidy bathroom spotless, because the next time I enter, I do not want to be burdened by it. Sterilize all surfaces, so that I will sparkle from all angles! I release them to you…”

(to be continued...)