A balanced church – six

a lesson from a toilet…

i don’t know if you’ve ever replaced a wax ring underneath your toilet, but i think it’s something that everyone should do at least once in their life.  i’ve done it a few times…not enough to be crowned a wax ring specialist, but certainly enough to pass on this bit of wisdom:

there is nothing about this job that is comfortable, logical, or user-friendly.  it’s awkward.  there’s not enough room to work.  it stinks.  it’s messy.  it’s heavy.  fittings are rusted.  it leaks when you start to work on it.  your hands get sticky and it gets on everything.  did i say that it stinks?  there’s nowhere to hold on.  screws don’t want to go in the holes.  the wrench doesn’t fit.  you seldom get it right the first time.  you can’t do it alone.  if you try to do it alone, all you’ll get is frustrated.  even though you need a partner, there’s nowhere for them to fit.  communication is nearly impossible because nothing about the job makes sense.  one other thing…it stinks.

why do i tell you this?  because it reminds me of fellowship.  not the fake kind, but the real thing.  dealing with people is not always the easiest thing to do.  it’s awkward.  it’s messy.  sometimes there’s nowhere to hold on.  things don’t fit.  communication is difficult.  sometimes it’s just plain old hard work.

but it’s got to be done.

by the way…this time, the toilet came out and went back in with no problems.  no problems!  i haven’t checked for leaks yet, though…

#fellowship #friendship #homeimprovement