If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)
I cannot count how many times I bemoan the fact that the men in my life do not know how to use a dishwasher. I have concluded that this inability is in the genes. Men perfectly capable of using a lawn mower, drill or air compressor find a dishwasher’s buttons too tiny for their fingers and the print too small to read. They leave dishes stacked around the house or in the sink instead of rinsing them and putting them in the machine. They do not turn it on when it is full, and when the dishes are clean, they do not unload it. It seems like I spend most of my life gathering up dishes or putting them away. Perhaps my complaints are getting through to them, however. Last night, I was sitting in the living room when I heard the dishwasher begin its cycle. Could it be that one of my men turned it on or had the clearing fairy I have been wishing for finally arrived? I asked, “Did someone start the dishwasher?” My son proudly admitted that he had. Uh oh. No one had ever actually taught him to use the dishwasher. I scurried into the kitchen. “What soap did you use?” I said. He pointed to a dish soap. Not a dishwashing soap made for the machine but the kind you use the old fashioned way. How to break it to him that in his first attempt to help me he had made a big mistake? After turning off the machine, I politely (at least I hope it was restrained) pointed out the correct type of soap to use the next time. (Will there be a next time?) He nodded his head and went about his business leaving me to figure out what to do next. I had a dishwasher full of the wrong kind of soap which when agitated would foam and spill out onto the floor. I could use the shop vac to suck out the soap which by this time had mixed with several gallons of water in the bottom of the machine, or I could just close my eyes and hit restart knowing that I would have a mess to clean up off the floor. A lot of work either way. I hit restart. Now, I have a load of clean dishes and a very nice shiny floor. Two chores done at one time. Perhaps he is on to something. As I watched the soap ooze out the bottom of the dishwasher and cover the floor, it made me think about how as Christians we should be willing to share the Good News of Christ with everyone we meet. I am tempted to hoard God’s love and blessing for myself. Yet, He came for all. I should be so excited about what He has done that it spills out of me and onto everyone He puts into my path. Don’t keep it inside. Let Him brighten every corner of your world!
Oh my – I made that same mistake when I was a teenager in my parent’s home. It did make a mess, but as they weren’t home yet from where they had gone, I cleaned it up. When I told my mother, she pointed out the correct soap to use and laughed. An easy mistake to make – I hope he helps again soon with the right soap!!