Just Doin' Dishes

      Not so many evenings ago, I was washing up dishes at our sink and finding myself drawing an unlikely but true parallel.  A plate or fork is not useless because it is dirty.  (I know, so deep, right?) It can be used again, and will be used again if only washed clean.  Each has a specific purpose. Each awaits its next task, which may be the next morning, next week or next holiday.

       You and I are not much different than the dishes in the sink.  We all need washing from time to time.  We all have seasons of pain or hardship whether it be from our own mistakes, or from trials brought about by simply living the human experience.  These could be described as our 'in the sink' moments.  We aren't at our best.  We aren't fruitful. We feel useless.  But from any situation, God can make a thing of beauty.

          My mom is 'in the sink'-so to speak, right now.  She has dealt for over a year with pancreatic cancer and all the treatments, appointments, discouragements , and surgeries that go with it. But you know what? At this very moment as well, she knows she won't be left untouched, unwashed by our Father. He has proven himself faithful in her battle and I know she has more to do after all is said and done.  She will be cleansed for her purpose here on Earth.   She will be useful again.  She will enjoy her grandbabies.  She will encourage others, cook for others, pray for others.

      Just know that you, too, will be purified, and made whole, if you believe in "He who is able to do more than you can imagine" (Eph. 3:20).  You may have to wait on Him...and it may take longer than you wish, but your days 'in the sink' will not outnumber the days in which you will fulfill your purpose.   You only need to look for the One who will cleanse and prepare you for what lies ahead.