The Christmas Countdown Continues...8 Days

Remember to Wash the Backside Too

As I stood over the sink this morning catching up on dishes I found my self laughing out loud, you know, a real laugh, not just an LOL. Then as our daughter's kitten tilted her head at me I realized I'd cracked myself up and no one was there to enjoy it. But then again, since the only sound was clinking dishes and Christmas music, they'd probably think I was mad because the thoughts causing such laughter were in my head.

Are you wondering how stacks of dirty dishes and the importance of washing the bottom of these same dishes  relates to Christmas? I hope so because at first I didn't think there was connection either until I stopped laughing and thought about how our lives are like the dirty dish in the center of the pile.

We have layers of dirt on us too and sometimes we rest in a layer or two of our past. Sadly, like the plates or bowls, sometimes we just rest in the sin or trouble. BUT, we aren't supposed to focus on, or live, in the muck. AND Jesus was born to save us from this vicious cycle too, a few decades later Jesus gave His life to rid us of the layers others may not see.

I'm happy to say, these photos aren't from my kitchen BUT lately, my counters seem to look like this more often. Those who know me might not believe it because I typically start my day by making coffee and then getting a few household tasks done so when I return home, it looks and smells clean. Lately though, the motivation to do dishes or "keep up" with the housework can be daunting, it not even a priority. GASP!

This is how dirty dishes and the importance of washing the backside relates to Christmas. Christmas is about new birth. The greatest of these births of course is Jesus. In life, we need to "wash" our layers of dirt, muck, and left overs off too.  We shouldn't live in regret, unforgiveness, dwelling on the past, or grief. This list could go on and is different for each of us.

Why do you wash the under or backside of your dishes? To get rid of the waste and prevent illness. To rid ourselves of the baggage we often carry works the same way. Jesus was born on Christmas so that about three decades later He could die to free us from our sins and give us Eternal life, freedom, and healing. You love yourself and others enough to wash the backside of your dishes, now it's time to love yourself enough to let go of the hurts, troubles, and layers of muck you carry. I need to do this too. No one is perfect and we each have a struggle to wash away, Jesus is also the Great Dishwasher.  Merry Christmas!

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What a Happy Day when our sins are washed away...

​What is your LEAST favorite dish to wash the backside of?