I believe the disorder is hereditary. It hasn't been given a name but I've seen it in my parents, I've watched my big sister and I do the same. We love to take the things of every day life and find a "lesson" or "moral" or "sermon illustration" out of it.
The best protagonists are usually the kids. The things they do, say or the way they respond seems to always provide a story to tell or something to learn.
However, in the past 24 hours it's been me.
Yesterday a drain was pushed open.
So why is that a big deal?
Let me explain: the amount of drains we have in houses here far out numbers that in the western world. In every bathroom, kitchen and any other space where water may come, there is a drain. Our drains are about 3.5 inches in diameter. Most drains in this house are equipped with a double layer of steel and are "cemented" into the ground. All but one. One drain has a lightweight plastic top. It has been loose since we arrived. Since we arrived I have repeatedly said to myself, "If you leave that the way it is, you will have rats. And not just rats but sewer (larger) rats. Do something about it."
Did I?
No.
Why?
Earlier today I put eggs on to boil for Thomas' lunch tomorrow.
I said to myself, "You know that you always forget odorless things you are cooking until they can be smelled (meaning you are way too late). Be sure to set your timer."
Did I?
No.
Why?
Now the eggs are in the trash, the pan is sadly scarred and poison lines the walls of the bathroom.
All because I just didn't do what I knew in advance I should do.
Why?
Why ignore the heart warnings? Why wait till there's a mess to clean up? I knew the problem. I foresaw my weakness, but what did I do about it?
Nothing.
Why do I deal with sin the same way?
I know my weaknesses but do nothing.
I know the precautions I should take but wait till there's a problem.
I know my need for accountability but don't always seek it out.
I know the things that tempt me but fail to remove them.
I know where I am prone to give in but don't run the other way.
Why?
wanting to be more like Jesus,
m
The best protagonists are usually the kids. The things they do, say or the way they respond seems to always provide a story to tell or something to learn.
However, in the past 24 hours it's been me.
Yesterday a drain was pushed open.
So why is that a big deal?
Let me explain: the amount of drains we have in houses here far out numbers that in the western world. In every bathroom, kitchen and any other space where water may come, there is a drain. Our drains are about 3.5 inches in diameter. Most drains in this house are equipped with a double layer of steel and are "cemented" into the ground. All but one. One drain has a lightweight plastic top. It has been loose since we arrived. Since we arrived I have repeatedly said to myself, "If you leave that the way it is, you will have rats. And not just rats but sewer (larger) rats. Do something about it."
Did I?
No.
Why?
Earlier today I put eggs on to boil for Thomas' lunch tomorrow.
I said to myself, "You know that you always forget odorless things you are cooking until they can be smelled (meaning you are way too late). Be sure to set your timer."
Did I?
No.
Why?
Now the eggs are in the trash, the pan is sadly scarred and poison lines the walls of the bathroom.
All because I just didn't do what I knew in advance I should do.
Why?
Why ignore the heart warnings? Why wait till there's a mess to clean up? I knew the problem. I foresaw my weakness, but what did I do about it?
Nothing.
Why do I deal with sin the same way?
I know my weaknesses but do nothing.
I know the precautions I should take but wait till there's a problem.
I know my need for accountability but don't always seek it out.
I know the things that tempt me but fail to remove them.
I know where I am prone to give in but don't run the other way.
Why?
Morning Needs (from Puritan Prayers)
O God the author of all good, I come to Thee for the grace another day will require for its duties and events. I step out into a wicked world; I carry about with me an evil heart. I know that without Thee I can do nothing, that everything with which I shall be concerned, however harmless in itself, may prove an occasion of sin or folly, unless I am kept by Thy power. Hold Thou me up and I shall be safe.
Persevere my understanding from subtlety of error, my affections from love of idols, my character from stain of vice, my profession from every form of evil. May I engage in nothing in which I cannot implore Thy blessing, and in which I cannot invite Thy inspection. ...
O God the author of all good, I come to Thee for the grace another day will require for its duties and events. I step out into a wicked world; I carry about with me an evil heart. I know that without Thee I can do nothing, that everything with which I shall be concerned, however harmless in itself, may prove an occasion of sin or folly, unless I am kept by Thy power. Hold Thou me up and I shall be safe.
Persevere my understanding from subtlety of error, my affections from love of idols, my character from stain of vice, my profession from every form of evil. May I engage in nothing in which I cannot implore Thy blessing, and in which I cannot invite Thy inspection. ...
wanting to be more like Jesus,
m
