I’m usually the dishwasher at our house. John often dries
them for me and together we make a fine team. But one Sunday evening, dishes
had gotten neglected until it was late and I certainly didn’t feel like spending the last
few hours of my weekend washing dishes. I stood by the sink, eyeing them responsibly, but reasoned inwardly, “There really aren’t that many. Plus,
my helper comes in the morning and will need something to do; I’ll have her do
them.”
My Housecleaning Conscience thus quieted, I went into the
living room and settled myself on the couch. Hardly had I gotten good and
situated when I heard the clatter of dishes. I knew it could only mean one thing, so I slunk back to the kitchen to do my duty.
John was filling the sink with water and grinned at my look of guilt. “I’ll do these,” he volunteered cheerfully. “You go back to what you were doing.”
So I did, albeit miserably, but I couldn't concentrate. What kind of wife was I, anyway,
letting my husband do the dishes alone on a quiet Sunday evening? My
Housecleaning Conscience and Good Wife Conscience mingled their protests
until I slunk back into the kitchen.
John saw my misery and laughed. “I already released
you. Go be at rest.”
I knew he meant what he said, but I volunteered to wash and we did the dishes together.
Later, his response caused me to think about times I do the
same to God only this time it is on a much grander scale than dirty dishes in a sink. I sin. He forgives. And I continue to beat myself up internally,
feeling like a criminal for getting frustrated or for the words I have spoken. I
crawl back to Him, ready to repent all over again.
But He lovingly tells me, “I already released you. Go be at
rest.”
This time He doesn't want me to wash dishes or any other penance. He truly wants me to do nothing more than take Him at His word, go on with my life, and be at peace.
photo used from morguefile.com
