Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Vomit and My Relationship With God: What I Learned from the Stomach Flu

Our kids have had the stomach flu. It is not pretty. What comes to mind is the adage, “Hate the sin, love the sinner.” After spending most of the night cleaning up what the kids ate earlier in the evening, all I could think was, “Hate the vomit, love the kids.” One of the only things I can think of that is worse than one’s own vomit, is someone else’s vomit. Yet, as disgusted as I was while bathing my daughter in the middle of the night, washing sheets and dragging out the Bissell…..did I love her any less? NO! In fact, my love for her was strengthened as I comforted her and took care of her needs.

This brings me to the spiritual application…..During the times when my behavior, words, thoughts, etc. are as vomit to the Lord and He is patiently cleaning up my mess – His love for me does not falter or fade. He loves me because I am His child, not because I am always sweet smelling and clean.

And so, as I sit on the couch (covered with an old sheet just in case), holding my sick three year old; I thank the Lord for his unfailing love for me and the sweet smell of my daughter fresh from the tub.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry everyone's sick! I remember those days of jello and popsicles, chicken broth and gatorade so well.
Cool spiritual analogy! You speak as one who has kept a fresh reminder of all that God has done for you. May we all be so diligent! Love you, J.

Shauna! said...

This has to be my favorite analogy ever! I think I will have to make a song 'hate the vomit, love the child' and add - one is lovely and the other vile - to make a rhyme. So glad I found you out in bloggerland!
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