Dishes in the sink

There are two places in my house to go to be alone. Only one of them is never violated. Although you might think it's the bathroom you'd have guessed wrong! Even the bathroom is no place to hide when your family tries to talk through a closed door, or a spouse pops in while you're showering to have a few words. The most isolated place in my house is in front of the kitchen sink.

Don't get me wrong, I've taught the kids to handle after dinner chores. My husband even helps with dishes if things appear magically overnight. The whole family has been known to make light work after holiday meals or when company joins us. But as a rule, when I step up to the sink without a request for help, the kitchen is vacated in the blink of an eye.

Not one member of my family has ever enjoyed the quietude I've come to cherish as I slip my hands into warm sudsy water, stare out the window that overlooks the park behind my house and rest my mind after a busy day and family meal. It is my prayer closet. Everyone scatters to leave me with the dirty dishes. The secret I have with God is that in this place I lose my mind! In this place I gain the mind of Christ. I thank Him for my day, I lay my concerns down before his feet, I listen for his still small voice. Here in this place I am totally surrendered.

I like busy work. I like the mindless action committed to autopilot that frees my spirit. I release myself to being one with the water, I float my mind out to the reaches of higher places. It is in this place I can hear! I can see more clearly! I can become refreshed. I can feel the fine tuning of the Holy Spirit.

The window over the sink is an ever changing panoramic view of Gods creation. Each day new things appear. The season brings dazzling color, hope and promise. Even the advancing storms on the horizon speak of the mighty God. The sunsets & rainbows remind me of Glory! The Clouds speak to me of His presence as sharp rays slice down to select spots on earth. The wind pushes wildly against the trees to bend them into submission or snap the rigid ones off. So much of God is learned from this perch while washing dishes.

Next time you are washing dishes look out your window, relax your busy mind by entering the prayer closet, worship the Lord, and say "Holy Spirit take me away!"