Not Finished Yet

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭

Ding-dilly-ding-bling-a-blingy-blingy-ding!

Or some such. (Cue dryer cycle grand finale ring tone.)

So of course I expected dry clothes.

Nope.

Not even close.

Odd.

I checked the clock. More oddities. It was only maybe 15 minutes since I had added the last wet load. Really, the oddities were piling up.

Almost laundry-like.

Puzzled, I restarted the load. Then it hit me.

Ding-dilly-ding-bling-a-blingy-blingy-ding!

(Cue the sound of an intellectual lightbulb moment.)

The last load I had run through a dryer cycle had been on the wrinkle release setting, so it was still in wrinkle release mode when it should have been in full on ‘assault wetness’ mode. Regular setting requires a 40 minute cycle. Wrinkle release, only about 15, and with much less heat than the regular cycle.

I alleviated the issue with a quick flick of the wrist.

If only all problems were solved so easily…

You and I are on a laundry adventure.

First, a period of regular living. Then an accidental spill, followed by a rude and rough pre-wash plunge. Then a wash and rinse, then a real wringer, then a harsh period of heat, and voila! Ready for some regular life.

But those stains keep coming.

And sometimes we wonder if that dryer cycle will ever end.

But friend – we aren’t finished yet. We have lots of wear and tear ahead, many mistakes to come out in the wash, many times of intense heat and pressure, many opportunities to practice grace while being left out on the line to dry.

One day, I want to echo with Paul that I have fought the good fight, and finished the race, and remained faithful.

Until then, I want to learn to show you – and myself – grace and compassion as we are squeezed and pressed and wrung out and tumbled dry again. Just as laundry days seem never ending, we aren’t finished yet. We are in process. We have periods of glory and usefulness, followed by times of dirt and disrepair, and the need to be cleansed and set right.

Which is where Jesus comes in.

Think of Him as a Master Launderer, removing what makes us unsightly, and setting us right and smelling fresh and clean.

One day, His job will be complete. No more laundering required!

Until then, we need regular sorting and cleaning and wringing and drying out to keep us kingdom useful.

We’re not finished yet.

Come regularly to the Laundry Room with me?

Father, like laundry, we need regular cleansing. Sometimes the process feels harsh and uncomfortable. Remind us that once cleansed and forgiven, we are more useful in our tasks as kingdom builders. Forgive and cleanse us when we need it. Amen.