My Life As a Washcloth
Monday, May 29, 2023
“While life lasts, let us spend and be spent for our sweet Lord Jesus.”– C.H. Spurgeon
I always pictured my life as a washcloth. Let me explain…
For the first 20 years or so, I soaked up a good education, a good upbringing, and good morals. Once I came to saving faith in Christ, I also started soaking up God’s Word and as much Christian fellowship as I could get.
Then there came a turning point, probably around the time I got married to Deanna in 1985. You see, I was no longer living just for God or myself, but I was also living for another person, too. And then when our three kids came along, the laundry list of people for whom I was living grew larger. And so, bit by bit, the once soaking-wet washcloth named Dale started to get wrung out.
In other words, I began giving out more than I was taking in. Parenting – and prison ministry – will do that to you.
That process has continued to some extent for the past 40 years, with some exceptions, which is why is has been extremely important for me to stay in the Bible, in prayer, and in fellowship with other believers. Otherwise, you are sure to become burned up and dried out.
Trust me… I’ve been there, done that, and have the T-shirt to show for it!
Now, as I close in on my supposedly Golden Years, I am more determined than ever to have every ounce of spiritual potential wrung from my life as an offering to God and a blessing to others. Of course, that means that I must be even more diligent about studying God’s Word, praying regularly and fervently, and engaging in Christian activities such as church services, Bible studies, etc.
Oh, how I desire to finish strong and finish well. Like Henry Martyn, a missionary to India and Persia who was greatly influenced and inspired by David Brainerd, I want to mean it when I say, “Now let me burn out for God.”
Or in my case, be wrung completely dry on the day I die.
“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:6-7 (NKJV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
