I spent a fair bit of time during the summer, treading fields covered with tents with people in need of a shower.
That’s right, I spent time at a couple of Festivals. Both were Christian festivals and so plenty of wooly jumpers and sandals were also in sight.
At one of them, I had a cubical problem to which I shall try to describe in the most tasteful way possible.
I decided to visit the nice toilets – Because nice toilets when camping are worth the walk. It’s a luxury to have a door handle that’s dry, a seat without droplets of wee and a floor that’s not covered in soggy and stained toilet paper. We’ve all been there. It’s not good.
So I visited the nice toilets and on the way in, I discovered that another guy, similar age to me, had also made the walk across the campsite to use the nice toilet. Problem? There was only one cubical, which we both required.
Both of us turn to each other and I encourage him to go first and vice versa. His response to my encouragement went like this. ‘No, You go first buddy, I’ve got a big one coming’
‘Thanks mate!’ I responded
So I went first, hoping that he would trek back and use the minging toilets, but no, he simply stepped outside.
I did what I needed to do in a hurry, knowing that he was waiting, but then discovered a bigger problem.
The flush didn’t work.
What do I do? I might have got away with it in the campsite toilets, but not here, and not NOW!
There was nothing I could do. I stepped outside, looked him in the eye and the only words that came out of my mouth were; ‘I wouldn’t go in there mate…’ After a slight panic, I explained that the flush was broken to emphasise that my recommendation was now more of a plea.
I quickly hurried on. I hope he did too.
It’s funny to think just how many times I saw that guy for the rest of the week. Amongst thousands of people present, his face seemed to be the one I discovered, he would be the one I bumped into, he would be the one sat next to me…
It was awkward.
Our mess in life, our errors, mistakes and times of regret separate us from a Holy, perfect God. We cannot possibly approach him with the mess we have left behind. But read on…
God’s son Jesus was nailed to a cross and left to die so that my mess could be disposed of. He chose to die for each one of us. The punishment was taken on him. Then he rose again in power to conquer all my error, to show that not even death could get the better of him.
When I come before Jesus, the son of God and recognise what he did for me – My sin, my errors, the times I’ve fallen short of God’s perfection have been forgotten about, erased and destroyed.
And friends – he did it for you also. This means that we can boldly approach God with freedom and confidence and he will welcome us with open arms.
I believe in a God whose love for you is immeasurable, incomparable and incorruptible.
I wonder – How will you approach God? In fear & apprehension of what you have done, or the knowledge that you are forgiven and loved by him, through Jesus’ death and resurrection?
I’d love to hear your response or questions – Please comment below or email me at info@laughingwithtom.co.uk
Life on Overflow 