Restroom

I mentioned my schedule recently. Three or four nights a week, I settle in with my popcorn and Diet Coke at a football stadium or gym.   Yesterday I spent the entire day at a softball field in Abilene.  Please forgive me for where I am taking you this week. We are going to the bathroom!

I confess.  I drink large quantities of water.  Aside from my personal trips to the restroom, I work at an elementary school and escort three classes a day to the bathroom. I believe in procedures.  We form a girl line and a boy line.  Three kids enter at a time.  I instruct my little friends to use the restroom, wash hands, and get a drink.  After that, they sit down “crisscross, apple sauce” forming one line and show me they are ready to walk back to the library.  

I remind my students if they chose not to take care of “business” at the proper time, I will be so sad when they ask later; and I tell them no. I love my job!  I thank God for blessing me with so many kids to love, great books to read, and valuable life lessons to teach.

I prayed for the Lord to show me this week specifically what to write about.  As usual, He answered my prayer.  His reply came yesterday when I walked into the ladies restroom at the Hardin Simmons softball stadium.  

This particular restroom was sparkling clean and cold.  The air conditioner must have been set on a really low temperature. (I made a note to self when it warmed up in the spring to camp out in the restroom.)  Both of the doors were closed.  I knew a player from the opposing team went into one stall.  I thought the other one was occupied too, so I assumed my position waiting in line. 

Another mom walked into the restroom and got in line behind me.  We conversed about the good weather. I suddenly caught a glimpse of the second stall and realized that maybe the door was closed, but that it was unoccupied.  I scooted over and did the casual, bend down slightly, and peak under the stall thing…vacant!  I waited for no reason. 

I assumed incorrectly. Where is “Buc-ee’s” when you need ‘em and their fancy red, green door lock system?  I waited and waited for my turn, without knowing that it was my turn!  Ladies reading feel my pain.  Men have no clue! 

Let me attempt to bridge the gap here.  We often sit right outside of our own personal “promised land.” We pause one step away from victory and the very next thing God has in store for us.  We wait, we even wait in line, when there is no line!  We sit and stay, when God is saying “Come on in, here is your blessing.”  He must wonder why we wait.   

Deuteronomy 12:10 says “But you will cross the Jordan and settle into the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and he will give you rest from all of your enemies so that you will live in safety.” 

The Israelites wandered for forty years in the wilderness.  I honestly do not have forty years to mosey around.  Join me this week please, pretty please.  Take the next step.  Remind others to take it too.  God keeps His promises. He is faithful.  The door is open.  We, as individuals, chose to wait and linger for no reason.  Take the next step this week and walk towards the Lord.  Claim the rest and security He has promised.