I had to laugh a little inside at this. You hear of how God teaches you lessons in many ways. Well diapers, really?
My son had made a stinky diaper. He came close to me and smelling the odor I asked him, 'Do you need a diaper?'. Not sure why I asked. But I did as I was getting up to go change him. He responded with the normal diaper baby sign language and a look of displeasure and plead to be changed. I picked him up and carried him to his room where the changing table is. He was happy to be carried and pointed and babbled happily about his toys as we entered his room. Then I laid him down and he began to complain and squirm. He doesn't like the cold wet wipes and he had a small rash that he didn't want touched. I talked to him softly and sang trying to distract him while I got him all cleaned up. As soon as I was done wiping him and applied all the baby goo to help and prevent rash he returned to his happy self babbling and pointing. I fastened on a new diaper and dressed him. Finishing up with a hug which he happily returned. When I set him back on The floor he joyfully went back to playing.
In that moment I thought, how many times do I ask my father in heaven to clean me up. I know where my mess is, I know how it stinks and effects others but, I hate and get upset at Him When he is cleaning me up. How much happier I would be to just allow him to clean me up. He promises us His yoke is light.
What is God challenging me to allow Him to clean up? It is relational. To trust. To be a good friend. To serve others walking in grace and mercy while trusting God has my back. This is hard for me as I want to protect myself but I'm finding I can't walk in love joy peace...the fruit of the spirit I so desire to walk in if I need to also walk in guarded restraint.... Loving others and yet also keeping them at a distance. This is the healing, the diaper change, God is doing in me. Cleaning out the crap so I can freely and comfortably go play.
