Washable Markers

All night last night, I couldn't really sleep. I could not sleep because I kept thinking about the activity we did during Bible Class, and where I was during the whole process of cleaning up my mess. During class I had you write with washable markers on the floor a number of sins. Sins from several passages and are sins where people struggle. Seriously struggle. Then I had you go around with a toothbrush and scrub them off the floor or a paper towel and wipe them off. During this activity we got all kinds of involvement and below is a list of what the adults and myself saw:

1. Some enjoyed the part when writing on the floor and did it with a great attitude, but did not like it when asked to clean it off, especially with a toothbrush.
2. Some wrote on the floor, then let the others clean up their mess with no effort from you.
3. Some wrote on the floor and cleaned up without any complaining.
4. Some wanted to stand and watch others do everything.
5. Some only wrote half the words on the paper, then cleaned up half as well.
6. Some were excited the whole time.
7. Some when asked to clean, said they needed to do something else.
8. Some cleaned their mess, then looked for other places to clean.
9. Some asked others to help and you cleaned together.

And the reflections that I made to you were about our journey with God. Because the truth of it is we all have made a mess in our journey. Sometimes we get off path. But God asks us to clean up our mess by asking forgiveness and turning on the right road that leads to Him. And when God asks us to clean it up, what is your response? Is it any of the above 9 observations from last night? Do you get excited about making a mess, then sigh because God asks you to clean it up? Do you stand back and watch others work hard at trying to clean up your mess? Do you do what you are asked without complaining? Do you clean your own mess then look for others? Do you give God half of your full effort?

I could not sleep last night, (not because Elijah woke up and woke us up) but I kept thinking where I was on the journey. So at 5:30 am today, I was guided to a conclusion. And now I am glad that I was awake. Tired, but glad! Maybe God wanted me up most of the night to bring me to this point where I can make true reflections on my life. And I have to ask, where are you?

Matthew 7:13, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

BB