When will we ever learn?

I was reading in my devotions this morning about the little boy that gave Jesus a couple of fish and five loaves of bread. It was not enough to feed the entire crowd of hungry people, but it was all he had so he gave it to Jesus. 

The reading reminded me that I can’t fix or fill all the problems and needs of those around me. But I can bring what I have and give it to Jesus and He will do what I can’t. 

So today I bring you a little story from this morning’s activities that happened right here in our home as I started the day. 

I was showered and dress for all the things that will happen between now and bedtime. We were gifted some delicious summer tomatoes and I purchased bacon yesterday so decided to have a BST (spinach for lettuce) for breakfast. 

As I lifted the sizzling slices from the cooking tray to a paper towel lined plate, I briefly thought I should probably put an apron on. 

I didn’t. 

I told myself I would be extra careful. 

The sandwich was delicious, of course. But as I went to finish fixing the face and hair, I saw a spot on my blouse just next to the button placket. I hoped it was a water drip from brushing my teeth, but a good round of applying the hairdryer to the spot revealed it was, indeed, bacon grease. 

So I spent some time with a tiny dab of soap and a microfiber cloth. More time with the hairdryer and voila! 

The spot is gone, but good grief. 

So much wasted time. 

The fact is, I know me well enough to know that I am a messy cook. Nine times out of ten, I just put that apron on when I am fixing food to prevent the inevitable spill. 

But once in a while I get lazy. 

I can apply that to so many things. All of them have to do with discipline.

Eating healthy foods

Exercising regularly

Stretching before bed

Chores that need to be done

Reading my Bible regularly

Writing down my prayers

All of these things are things I know I should do with ten of out of ten precision. Everything goes better, more smoothly and with greater joy when I do the things I know I should do. 

But every once in a while….

I ignore the warning and find myself with the equivalent of a dab of dish soap, a microfibre cloth and a hairdryer waiting in the wings to clean up the mess. 

While I am thankful for God’s endless grace, I realize how childish it is to abuse it with things that I already know better to do. 

How about you? 

What apron do you need to put on today?