My Paisley Chair

Towel Turban – Aha moment 06/08/2023

During this current speed bump in our life adventure, aka broken wrist, I’ve become aware of things I take for granted. More specifically, mundane tasks that require 2 hands and/or the things my dominant hand is accustomed to doing all on her own. It’s amazing how instinctively my right hand just takes care of things without being told! It is no surprise that is exactly how I got into this current mess of a situation. Instinctively “Righty” reached out to break my fall – and break she did!

The mundane task that captured my attention as a definite 2-hander is the towel turban. You know, the towel knot used to keep wet hair from dripping down your back. It seems like such a trivial thing, but I really miss a twisty knot on top of my head. I find it is impossible for me with only “Lefty” helping out. And there aren’t instructions to help David figure out this twisty trick.

Enter the towel turban. Without thinking I can flip my head over, place a towel at the nape of my neck, swing it to the front, twist it together and flip it back over, where it stays securely in place until I’m ready to deal with wet hair. Voila – towel turban!

This is definitely not the only thing I am currently having issues with or realize I take for granted. To mention a couple, Lefty is scary directing a mascara wand and a bit too rough with a toothbrush. She is totally inept at changing earrings. Flatiron or curling iron are completely out of the question. These tasks are just from the neck up, and I’ll just stop right there!

When there is ease of access or abundance of opportunity, human nature tends to take something for granted. This must be true because one of Dr. Seuss’ famous quotes is …

It is easy to miss how precious something is, until it is no more… Heaven help me!

If you know me AT ALL, you know I am an “every time the church door is open” kind of a gal. My kids accuse me of “over-churching” them their whole lives, if that is even a thing! Due to the time lapse between breaking my arm, surgery and pain meds (me + pain meds = not fit for public) I was out of church for several weeks … and I missed my church fam!

As Paul Harvey said, “The rest of the story” … When something captures my attention in the grand adventure of life, I like to pause and see if there is something I need to learn, and quite often a spiritual application presents itself.

Recently at a missions emphasis service I became heart-wrenched hearing about people groups around the world that are yet unreached with the gospel. Even more disturbing is the persecution of families reaching into “closed” countries. Within some regions that are “open” to the gospel, there are so few churches that fellowship among believers is challenging at best and utterly impossible for vast numbers of Christ followers. I still feel gut-punched at this statement “The gospel is only good news if it gets there in time.”

These things lead me to this concern: Is it possible that the Church of Jesus Christ is being taken for granted, devalued and/or not given the proper place of priority? I can’t help but wonder if because access is so readily available that Church community is taken for granted! Bible studies, worship experiences, research resources, podcasts are available and as close as our phones. It appears some believers think that 1.) the church will always be available or 2.) we can substitute a digital experience for face-to-face relationships with a body of Christ followers. 

I worry that Christians who neglect the church will not experience the deep heart ties that commitment to a church family produces. Deeply connected relationships need intentional consistent interaction and attention. Friends within a church family will stand the test of time, trials and or tragedy. We need people who are prepared to go to war with us and stand in the gap with us for our families.

A religious tradition is no substitute for personal relationship with Jesus! I’m not proposing church attendance is a measure of spiritual maturity or a guarantee for overcoming adversity or anxiety. Gathering that happens based on convenience rather than commitment lack sustainable depth. Some view commitment to a body of believers as optional or necessary only when in great need.

This reminds me of living on the gulf coast and in the path of hurricanes. There is always “that guy”. Maybe you know him, the guy who waits until the winds are gusting at 60+ mph to wrestle sheets of plywood. Establishing secure relationships when life is falling apart is as difficult as boarding up windows after the winds reach gale force strength. Don’t be that guy!

It is no surprise that people are vulnerable and more apt to lose a battle if standing alone, isolated or withdrawn from church fellowship. The abundance of strength, faith and courage is more than can be calculated when we stand together. We need people to strengthen us by locking arms with and standing by us in crises. The Church of Jesus Christ is a force to be reckoned with and victory is sure and complete when we stand together!

Jesus knows nothing replaces face-time with believers – He came all the way to earth to be with us! We are created with a need for community and fellowship, and Jesus set the perfect example! Scripture supports the concept and command of commitment to a local body of believers and is full of proof that we are stronger together.

THERE’S A CHURCH BODY THAT NEEDS YOU … AND YOU NEED THEM!