While this July 4th wasn’t quite as fun as last year, over the weekend I did settle into a pace of loading the washer, pouring the detergent, starting the cycle, then loading the dryer and waiting the negated forty minutes until they were completely dry and then removed them so I could fold, sort, and put them away.
Can I tell you that I hate doing the laundry?!
So I went back into the laundry room for about the third load of the day and I noticed something. The boys had brought clean clothes back into the laundry room. I’ve noticed this is a trend with them. They have their favorite clothing and will wear it day in and day out – holes and all. They remove the clothes that aren’t their favorites from the drawer and put them back into the laundry basket so that they have easier access to the clothes they prefer. I should make them run around naked. I’m just sayin’…
Now usually I get upset about this. I’ve had this discussion with them at least a hundred times. I’m sure of it. They always say the same thing to me in defense.
“I don’t like that shirt cause my friends make fun of me.”
“It isn’t cool like my other clothes.”
and my favorite…
“It’s not my style.”
Who knew a ten year old had style, hmm?
So as I’m standing there looking at this pile of laundry that was freshly laundered just days ago I see a picture of my life. God gave me a glimpse from His view.
How many times has He forgiven me for particular sins only to have me toss that forgiveness aside in favor of what I or my peers deem acceptable? How many times have I chosen the familiarity of the old me to the reality of the new me in Him? Instead of remaining clothed in white I strip myself of that gift and go right back to my old grave clothes. Why?
Needless to say I had a long talk with my boys that day but I gave them quite a bit of grace. I washed those clothes again without one harsh word to them but I I made them understand why what they were doing was wrong. I understood for just a moment how much God puts up with when it comes to me. He is not a God who can’t sympathize. He understands.
Now I have this mental picture attached to an emotion – a clear and precise expression of God’s written word. Whenever I am about to toss the new clothes into the dirty clothes pile in exchange for the old grave clothes I will be reminded of this incident. Prayerfully now I will get it and walk in it.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Great Post Amy! And it is so true. My kids constantly do the same thing. I love the physical picture of what is going on in the spiritual realm. And it is so convicting. I love how God can use our everyday circumstances to reveal His truth. Thanks for the reminder of His grace and mercy, which like my laundry pile, is new every morning!
I confess, guilty as charged. ThAnks for this insighful reminder!
Gosh Amy, what a great analogy. I'll certainly remember this one in the future.
Awesome analogy. You know, I have an 11 year old who has been known to throw clean clothes into the dirty clothes hamper. Except in her case, it's usually because she didn't put the clean clothes up when they were washed. They kept laying around and then when she cleans her room she's not for sure if they're clean or not. So into the dirty clothes hamper they go!
Hope you have a great day!
Karen
First – props for handling the situation without a come apart
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Second – take away the clothes and give them to someone who will use them and appreciate them. We got rid of a large number of our boys clothes and they have enough to make it through the week (with a few extras just in case). Saves on time getting dressed and saves plenty on room!