The Mercedes Benz of Dishwashing Detergent
3 Mar
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A lot of people have said things like, “God will use David’s arthritis to teach you something,” or “You’ll be a better person for having gone through all this.”
I don’t feel like I’m a better person than I was a year ago. Our chronic illnesses were not caused by sin (and anyone who thinks so need to go read John 9), and I really couldn’t see that God was teaching us anything, although we believe everything is ordained by God for his glory.
But now, I think maybe I know what God is teaching us. Humility. Each time something happens and we think, “Well, there goes the last of our pride!” God shows us one more way we’re proud.
For instance, trying to eat politely in front of people with my TMJ Disorder is pretty humbling. Especially people at work. When I’m trying to look professional.
David had to resign from being a deacon and that was tough. But accepting help from so many people has been really hard for us. I guess we just didn’t realize how much of the “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mentality we’d swallowed.
We are continously humbled by our chronic illnesses, and now more recently, by David’s unemployment.
So many people have helped us in so many ways, and we are humbled by everyone’s kindness and generosity. In the past few weeks, my mother has sent me home with extra goodies tucked in my car. A roll of paper towels here, a bar of chocolate there, a case of Diet Coke now and then. But the one little thing that struck me the most was this.
It’s the Mercedes Benz of dishwashing detergent. This stuff is way nicer, way more expensive than the detergent I normally buy.
So thank you, mother. I’m really enjoying the fancy dishwashing detergent that you don’t even have to unwrap!
And thank you to everyone who is praying for us, who encourages us and helps us. I think we’re getting better about asking for and accepting your help.
Love,
A Young Wife
That’s my favorite dishwashing detergent! I bought the Walmart brand to save money, and it didn’t even come close to this stuff. What a nice mom. : )
I use this stuff, too, and I love it! It is pricey and I used cheap stuff for years, but I decided that this really is worth it. My glasses stay shiny and my dishes are cleaner.
Please know that you are not alone! I’ve had people say those same comments to me. First I became unemployed after a job of twelve years, my sister became unemployed after a job of twenty three years, then I was diagnosed with two chronic illnesses,then my husband was layed off, then my Dad went on oxygen for a worsening of his chronic illness, then my mom cracked her hip! Someone told me when we don’t let others help us we deny them a blessing. Let just say we are really blessing folks lately! God cares and He is always there! Sending our prayers too.
I like using that type of dishwashing detergent as well! Or else I’m really bad and I just pour way too much soap in, which is quite wasteful and not good especially because our water is so hard. Soap scum much? haha.
I have NO DOUBTS that God works through people with Chronic Illnesses… its just how people want to approach it – with God on their side & reflecting that? That’s the best testimony there is!!!!
OK – I’m gonna have to try those dishwashing thingie’s because I’ve tried other brands & wasnt too thrilled with them… maybe it just needs the Cascade name on it!
I understand what you’re saying about swallowing one’s pride. I’ve had several servings of humble pie.
Ah yes, humility. It can be VERY difficult to accept help. Someone once told me though, that while it is gracious to give, we must receive with grace as well. By not asking or allowing people to help us, we are stopping some folks from using their God-given talents! That helped a lot…but it’s still tough! ; )
Ashley,
My family and I are reading through your blog and this particular entry touched me the most. The dish detergent story is precious to me. The fact that you are able to see God’s hand in something so normal is a priceless lesson that it takes most people a hundred years to learn.
Hearing your story is exactly like mine. It’s nice to see that we are not alone. Thanks for sharing. You are inspiring.