Clean Towels

Every now and again I have these moments in life. Moments, that I can't really describe but I know there are revolutionary in my thinking. As I sit down with my laptop along with Misty Edwards playing off of ihop.org in the background, I'll do my best to translate my heart into mere words so you can share this moment with me.

First let me give you a little history. Growing up, I didn't have a lot. I grew up in a household that consisted of my Dad, my Grandmother and my Uncle all living together trying to make ends meet in the midst of addictions, dysfunction and abuse. With all those dynamics we never had a lot of money. I remember times where I would sleep on a bed with out sheets, food wouldn't be in the refrigerator and my wardrobe for Jr. High consisted of 1 pair of jeans and 2 t-shirts. I wasn't familiar with a home life that consisted of luxuries such as different outfits for each day of the week, options of food to pick from in the kitchen or even more than one pair of shoes. I wasn't taught how to do laundry so I wore the same clothes for multiple days and cleaning consisted of shoving everything out of sight when people came over. That was the only reality I knew and I learned how to live and be content.

Tonight I was doing laundry (which is my ULTIMATE favorite chore) and as I was rolling up my Egyptian cotton towels, I took a whiff of the great smell and thought "How did I get here??" As I sat there looking at a small pile of folded up jeans, a huge pile of socks and other items of clothing, I sat and I just thanked the Lord for what He has given me today. To be able to not only be alive but to be able to enjoy the sweet fragrance of clean clothes, to feel the softness of good quality items and to feel the honor of. managing MY household far better than I had been shown as a child - I was taken back at how good God has been to me.

There are others from backgrounds similar to mine that either end up incarcerated, dead or living in the same dysfunction they were shown as a child. I realize I am fortunate and I have come to the conclusion that even though I may not have the life I ultimately want for myself, I have done far greater than I ever would have imagined 9 years ago. The only thing I can think that separates myself from those that have continued to carry on their family misfortunes is I choose a God who could redeem me from all of it. I recently saw the Disney movie Tangled and I think my life is a lot like that. I was kept in this dark place. I knew there was more out there, I knew there was light and goodness out there somewhere, I just didn't know where to find it and was filled with so much fear from the lies I was told that I didn't think it was possible for me. Then one day I got bold enough to say "I'm going to try this. I'm going out into the World" and as I stepped into the light I saw others walking in, I met Him. A God, a Prince and a Redeemer that looked at everything going on in my life and said "I know this is what life is right now for you, but it wont always be that way if you will just take my hand, get on this white horse with me and I'll take you on an adventure of a lifetime."

I know for others laundry may not seem like much, cleaning your kitchen is tedious beyond imagination and putting away groceries can be a bother. For me, it's such a gift. I don't take any of the things I have in my life today for granted and I know that all of it comes from the Lord. I have seen what my life is like with out Jesus and after tasting Him, I know that He is far better than anything of this world. Even though there are times I prefer to eat the cheap McDonald's meal of the World rather than the 4 course Italian dinner prepared for me at His table, He always welcomes me back and He blesses me simply because He loves me. There is nothing like having your eyes opened to life and coming to the realization that you are at a place you never thought you be, experiencing things you never thought you'd experience all because of the Lord.