I heard my washing machine stop. Hmm…seemed a little early for that. Maybe it was just switching functions?
I was upstairs cleaning the kitchen when I heard it stop, but I got distracted and forgot all about it. Twenty minutes later I headed down to the basement to transfer the laundry to the dryer. Surprise! The washer was full of murky water and my linens were kickin’ back, enjoying the soak. Yes sir. My machine decided it was a good day to die.
It didn’t seem fair. When any other appliance decides to quit at my house, I can usually tell the end is near. Faulty performance, repairs way to often. It’s generally not a surprise. I thought and thought about the washer. What did I miss?
Of course, this isn’t the first time I’ve missed the signs.
I was working at the local Junior College as adjunct faculty in the Surgical Tech department. We had just adopted our first child, and although my old job was secure in the operating room, I’d have to take call and work weekends. A weekday job with regular hours sounded like a much better alternative.
The first year went well. I had to work out a few kinks, but overall, it was great. I was teaching students how to assist in the OR, something I liked and knew well. On to year #2.
I started to hear some rumblings about lower student enrollment. The head of the department asked if I’d transition to another field if they changed direction. But the year continued on it’s way. The class graduated. I graduated too.
I got fired.
I was stunned. What did I miss? Well, honestly the signs were all there. I just didn’t pay attention.
Looking back on the washer thing, I remember there were a few times the machine would stop mid-cycle. I’d have to restart it. No big deal. Except it was. That was my warning, and I completely missed it.
I believe that God is always at work in my life. I believe that he loves me with an extravagance that I will never be able to comprehend. He is not up in the clouds reading a book, only to glance up occasionally to smite me with broken appliances and job terminations.
My Father is with me here and now, and he is gently and persistently showing me what I need to know to make good choices. “What did I miss?” is a good question. Maybe a better one is “Why did I miss that?”
I’ll never be perfect, I won’t understand all the time. But in spite of my weakness, God is constantly in contact with me. He speaks in prayer, and in the events and people I meet in my life. And yes, even in washing machines.
So my daily prayer includes a request. “My God, open my heart so I can pay attention and experience what you need me to see.” I might not be able to change any outcomes, but I will be prepared.
And I think that’s what any Father wants for his daughter.
Surrounded by the Spirit on Facebook
Linking today with: The Deliberate Mom
You have so much faith – I admire you for that… My problem is that although I have to make choices – and do – I constantly worry whether I have made the RIGHT choice! When I try to ‘listen’ for guidance I end up confused wondering if I’m just listening to myself. Your other commenters all seem to have their beliefs sorted out – I am just one of the confused I’m afraid… But I will still ‘listen’ to what you write Ceil as there may just be a little message there for me.
Hi Andrina! I do have faith, but it fails me too. I can’t think of a single person (including me) who hasn’t struggled with the question “Is it me, or is it God?” Oh my, I still fight with myself over that one. I’m fairly certain my commenters would say the same about themselves.
I think wisdom comes with a willingness to listen in spite of the questions, and decide if what I hear is in line with love. Or is it just self-serving? I think I’ll spend my whole life trying to get closer and closer to that divine voice. Do not feel alone!
I am so glad we met through our blogs. I love your honesty, and desire to find God. What a grace to be linked with you on our journeys!
Blessings,
Ceil
Great thoughts here Ceil. I often “miss” things. When I do, well, I know I’ve become distracted and unfocused.
I love the prayer you say… that will do it, and He will certainly assist in helping you see what you need to see.
Thanks for sharing.
xoxo
Hi Jennifer! Well, it’s good to know that I’m not the only one! Distracted and unfocused…yep, that does it for me too.
Thank you for your encouraging words to me today my friend. I know my Father wants me to be ready. I’m ready for his assistance 🙂
Blessings!
Ceil
I love that you shared this wisdom at my #Blirthdaybash Ceil! Such a fabulous post… although I love all of your writings. I’m so glad you met Robin from Robin Kramer Writes too. If I had to set up bloggers for a “blind date”… it would be you two.
Wishing you a lovely weekend (and thanks for celebrating with me).
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
xoxo
I was so glad I joined your hop! I was just happy to join in on your joy and blirthday, and then I got a bonus! I got to meet some lovely bloggers.
You have a great weekend too my friend. Enjoy!!
Ceil
Only you, dear friend, could spin a significant lesson from a busted washer. I’m always learning from the words that overflow from your oh-so-wise heart.
(Spin and overflow? No pun intended. Really! Chalk it up to too much time on my hands!)
Hugs …
Hi Vaca-Linda! I’m telling you, it’s not me. The Lord is so good and kind to inspire me to have ideas about the everyday things of life. It’s kind of fun actually!
Fortunately, the water didn’t flow out of the washer. I guess that would have been way worse! Just a tub full of sopping laundry and water. Ugh. Well, that’s all water under the bridge now (did you see how I did that? Your fault!!).
Hope you are relaxing and breathing deeply. You are missed 🙂
Ceil
You have such an easy way of describing life lessons all wrapped up in the ordinary. I know I have missed many important clues along the way and wished that I had been praying attention all along. Your prayer at the end is perfect because turning to God to open our hearts and minds to all the details of life is the best place to start. Happy Wednesday friend!
Hi Mary! Thank you for your kind words, and your partnership in missing those signs!
“Praying attention”. Hmmm…I’ve never heard of that term before, but I like it. I’m going to write that one down!
Have a blessed Thursday (I’m a bit behind here!) 🙂
Ceil
Having a similar day here at the Williams’ household–only it is the oven. After an hour of cooking I still smelled nothing. Checked the temp and the oven would not go above 240 degrees no matter what I did. And, like your washer, no warning signs.
I find that sin sneaks up on me sometimes in the same way. All of a sudden I will realize my motives for doing something are all wrong or my attitude stinks or critical words popped out of my mouth without any forethought.
Good post, Ceil. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Hi Pam! Booo on your oven! What a sneaky way to quit!!
I think you’re right that signs can work to remind me that my behavior is not the best. That’s a good point. Certainly the Lord wants me in his corner, and wants me to know when I’m starting to leave. Great thought, thanks!
Have a great day!
Ceil
Oh, if only I paid more attention to the “signs” that He gives. I do pray for wisdom and discernment, but often I just let life get in my way of His still small voice!! Thanks for the gentle reminder….and HOPE you got your washer fixed!!!
Hi Deb! I have to agree with you, I let a busy life get in the way of listening too. That’s what starts the problem, not taking time to be quiet. His voice is heard in the whispers.
We didn’t get the washer fixed, we had to get a new one. Oh well, this one should last a good, long time. The first load was quite the event around here!
Thank you for your visit Deb. Have a beautiful day 🙂
Ceil
I love how you tied these events together…certainly gave me some things to think about. I wonder how many signs I’ve been missing? I know I tend to ignore little signs along the way and just trust that things will get better or work out okay. Usually they do. But sometimes they don’t, and I stand there scratching my head and wondering how I missed that! I guess this is something common to all of us, if we’d just pay attention! Thank you for this timely reminder. I’m going to pay better attention from now on!
Hi Pam! I do think it’s a common occurrence. There are many things that call us and need our attention. I know instead of inviting Jesus into those moments, I just run off on my own, so naturally it’s harder. Which makes me not get back to Jesus for a while…so it’s a silly circle.
I pray that I will pay better attention too Pam. I think God’s cues and love is everywhere. I just have to get plugged in!
Blessings.
Ceil
I love that He is always in contact with us! What a comforting thought. We don’t have to understand everything, but we can know He is with us. Great reminder. Thank you!
Hi Heather! Thank you for your visit today!
I know I won’t get it all the time either. Being human means I have a lot of faults and lacks, but God loves that about me too! I really appreciate the fact that my Father always wants me to be as prepared as I can be. His name is love. Love always.
Have a wonderful day 🙂
Ceil
I could write a book on signs I have missed along the way. To my detriment. The old “handwriting on the wall” thing is often a foreign language to me. “Open my eyes Father” seems to be the right prayer to pray.
Hi Bill! We are in good company, it seems that a lot of people feel the same way. All I can do is pray for the grace to be open to his presence in all the activities of my day. Come Holy Spirit!!
Have a wonderful day,
Ceil
Ceil, lovely encouragement! We can all easily miss it from time to time even with the best effort. But thank God that He is able to find us and help us back on track. This post has definitely got my attention today, I pray God helps me to listen more. Thanks for sharing!
Bless you 🙂
Hi Shade! Good point that God will keep reaching out to speak to me when I don’t hear. I thought it was so funny for the machine to just up and die like that. When I thought it over, I had signs.
I hope I’ll stay more alert and not take for granted his love and communication.
Blessings to you too!
Ceil
I have been praying lately that the Lord reveal Himself to me in a way that He never has. That I would walk in His presence at all times. Now I am adding to that prayer that I don’t miss anything. Keep me on the alert so that I am aware of all He has for me! Thanks Ceil. I never really thought of “missing a sign” during this time. 🙂
Hi Monica! What a beautiful prayer. I don’t think God could ever say ‘no’ to a prayer like that. All he wants to do is lead you like a Shepherd; I bet he’s is so happy with you!
I’m glad you could learn from my mistakes. I am constantly amazed at how I wander off on my own and forget to listen first. I hope we will be learning together 🙂
Nice to see you today!
Ceil
“My God, open my heart so I can pay attention. . .” Yes!
What a post, my friend. I am like you and I have often missed the signs and it makes me wonder, how many times have I missed seeing what God has in store for me.
Your words are always a sweet encouragement to my heart. Thank you for allowing the Lord to use you, dear Ceil!
Hugs!
Hi Stephanie! I’m glad you can relate to the post, and know what it’s like to miss those signs! But I also know how much you want to follow him, so we can pray together to be more aware and ready to hear and see.
Thank you for your kind words today my friend. You always find a way to warm my heart.
Blessings,
Ceil
Ceil,
The Lord has blessed you with immeasurable talent. Your words are always a blessing to read.
Winter
Hi Winter! What an encouragement you are to me! Thank you for your words today, I really appreciate them.
I’m so glad that we met through our blogs, at least I didn’t miss that sign 🙂
Have a wonderful afternoon!
Ceil
With a large family, it really is a disaster when the washing machine goes out. We once had a truck lose control and end up in our laundry room–and then my (5 at the time) kids got the stomach flu. :shudder:
It’s sobering to realize how much we depend on an appliance–or a job–and how quickly that can be yanked out from underneath us.
Hi Shecki! Oh my gosh, that must have been so scary! I’ve seen that on the news, but to be the news? Yikes!!
Well, I know all about both of those things you mentioned. We’ve had appliance failure and job loss, and I think it has to make me stronger, or I’d just be a mess. God knows what to do to bring me closer to him, that’s for sure!
Have a wonderful afternoon,
Ceil
Great analogy, Ceil. I think we all miss signs from time to time–sure keeps us on our toes and our knees, huh?
Hi Jeanette! No kidding. Maybe that’s another thing God wanted to tell me…I’m not going to see all the signs, but if I stay in contact with him, I’ll be covered by his protection and mercy. I like that! Thank you 🙂
Hope you are having a good day my friend,
Ceil
I love this prayer! I am usually attuned and very perceptive, but sometimes I get blind-sided too! Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. You’re a great writer and mighty warrior!
Hi Ronda! Thank you for your kind words about the post. How wonderful that you are so perceptive! None of us is perfect, can’t get it all the time, but to be so gifted is really a blessing.
I’m sure God uses you in a mighty way 🙂
Thank you for visiting,
Ceil
Ceil: This is so true to life. It seemed like whenever we were getting ready to go on vacation, our washer or dryer would break down. The last time this happened, our son was getting ready to go out west for a week. The following week, Hubby and I were going to Florida. Right on schedule, the washer conked out. We live a couple of blocks from a laundrymat but I feel going there is a time drainer.
Just this morning, we had a heating technician here to do a fall check on our furnace. We have done this since we bought our first gas furnace. I wish I could have learned that trick about our washer and dryer. We solved the problem when we bought a new dryer-we bought the brand that has the loneliest repairmen in the world. No problems from either. I need to be careful about saying that too often. I never know.
Hi Cecelia! You can really relate, can’t you. Ugh. I remember when my husband’s parents would babysit the kids for us, and something always went wrong. Murphy’s Law!
When you’re used to having your own machines, laundromats are a time drainer! Way to go on the furnace, that going out would be terrible!
Sounds like you have reliable machines now. Phew! Let’s keep that repairman lonely 🙂
Blessings on us and our appliances!
Ceil
Great analogy—my thoughts went immediately to how to fix the washer and you are stopping and looking for the lesson God is teaching you. Well done, Friend!
Blessings!
Hi Lulu! Well, my thoughts about spirituality came long after finding the broken washer. At first I was just stunned by it. Then I wondered how I could dry those clothes, etc, etc. Thanks to my Dad, our laundry got done.
I think God tries mightily to speak in every moment of the day. It just takes me while!
Have a peaceful night,
Ceil
“My God, open my heart so I can pay attention and experience what you need me to see.” Amen! I pray this with you. How true it is that there are so many things we miss, even when they’re right in front of us. Thank you for this enlightening post, Ceil.
Hi Trudy! Thank you for your kind words, I appreciate them! I know I sure miss a ton. Good thing God keeps waving and whispering, that’s for sure. I know you don’t miss much my friend, you have a very faith-filled blog!
Have a restful night,
Ceil
Love this story that God speaks even in washing machines. I learned yesterday that he also speaks through microwaves. 🙂
I had set a pot of water on the stove to boil, and totally forgot about it until much later when I heard the exhaust fan come on in the kitchen. I ran in to see what was going on, and my microwave was scrolling a message that it appeared something was not being attended (or something like that). I was shocked because I didn’t know the fan would come on by itself and certainly didn’t know the microwave would give me a message out of the blue! ha. But God knew. The pan was scorched, but at least the house didn’t burn down.
Hi Lisa! Wow, that is some story Lisa! Thank God your microwave has a mind of it’s own…God can use everything, and you are proving that point beautifully. And oh my gosh, I’m so glad you didn’t have a worse problem on your hands!
A talking microwave ended up being a real house-saver!
Have a restful night,
Ceil
Oh, we all miss things! I can relate to this post. You hit the nail on the head when you describe God’s love as utterly extravagant — so complete, so encompassing, so able to cover our flaws.
I’m visiting from the Shine blog hop, and I’m so glad I did. Greetings!
Hi Robin! Thank you for your visit, it’s a pleasure to meet you!
It’s a good thing that our Father loves so well, and is willing to let me try again. He’s the best parent!
Have a restful night 🙂
Ceil
Hi Ceil,
Thank you for your lovely, thoughtful post 🙂 It speaks of such hope and encouragement to me that our Faithful Shepherd is always there to guide us and help us each step. When we miss the signs, when we miss Him calling out to us, He gathers us in His arms of unfailing love and continues to point us to Him.
Hi Anita! I completely agree with your comment. He never gives up reaching and communicating. I think he knows who he is dealing with in me!
Thank you for your kind words about the post, and for the Twitter love 🙂 You are a very generous blog-friend!
Have a great weekend!
Ceil
love your transparency. And I am a lover of signs—a bit strange, I know, but I’m always finding another, biblical message in signs. Sorry about your washing machine and your job.
Hi Mary! I don’t think it’s strange to be a lover of signs. I think we all want to have tangible reminders of the presence of God. It’s encouraging to hear when people see them!
Thanks for your condolences. My washer was successfully recycled by a garbage picker, and that job loss was many years ago. It was devastating at the time, but as I look back, God had other plans for me…isn’t that always the way?
Thank you for your visit today 🙂
Ceil
Good post and a perfect prayers. Sorry about the washer. My friends washer never stopped filling and flooded her entire downstairs. Of course she was happy to get wooden floors put in after that!
Hi Debby! Thank you for your encouraging words, I appreciate them! Thank you for your condolences too. Your poor friend! We’ve had basement floods, but that was because our sump pump decided to quit. What a mess. Poor woman…
I think wood floors are a great idea! Speaking from experience, rugs weigh a TON when they get wet. Ugh.
Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
Ceil
God certainly speaks to us, often, but we’re not always tuned in to what He’s saying.
Sometimes I wish He could speak to me clearly as He did to the prophets. But then … if He did … I’d probably fall off my chair!
God bless you and yours.
Hi Victor! I wish he would speak clearly to me too my friend. That would be so great…but I guess then I wouldn’t have to have faith. Our Father seems to be very interested in us having faith that lasts.
You and your chair are safe for now 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend.
Blessings,
Ceil
What a great reminder and example. So often we only see with hindsight don’t we? Your washing machine incident reminded me though that often when one appliance breaks down, more are one the way. That has happened to us several times and often at the time of a tight budget. But looking back now on those times, we did get through and what seemed like a crisis at the time, isn’t even remembered. That’s a lesson too isn’t it? have a great weekend, Ceil!
Hi Jean! Oh brother, I really hope I’m not in for more machine malfunctions. Remember when we were kids, we’d say things happen in threes? NOOOO!!!!
God does make sure we make it through our hard times, and I know he keeps waving and whispering to us all. What a great Father he is!
You have a great weekend too 🙂
Ceil
I love how you can take an ordinary thing that happens in your day and turn it into such a beautiful thought—-a totally different perspective. Your positivity in ALL situations is truly uplifting!
Hi Marcia! Thank you for your lovely comments! You have uplifted my day 🙂
I don’t see the beauty right away…that broken washer was definitely not a welcome sight. But looking back always gives me a better perspective.
Thank you for the Twitter-love too Marcia. Have a wonderful weekend!
Ceil
This is such a wonderful reminder! Thank you. Trusting the Lord as we speak to clarify some things – direction and otherwise. Believing He’ll sharpen my “pay attention” skills as well. 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings,
Karen
Hi Karen! You bring up a good point. I should trust that God will send me the signs, that I’ll be able to read the signs, and finally that he will direct my thoughts and speech. That’s a global approach! And something I really need, that’s for sure.
You have a wonderful weekend too 🙂
Ceil
Aw; love this post Ceil! All the (countless) signs I miss, partly because I am one of those who always hope everything will just turn out right and good, without conflict or intercession. Most of the times, God has my back, but sometimes He is drawing my attention to something I need to react and get involved in. 🙂 Trying harder to not “miss anything”, and look for those “signs”!
Blessings and hugs for a joyful weekend! ♥
Denise
Hi Denise! I think hoping that everything will turn out well is another way of saying you trust. And that’s a good thing! But as you say, sometimes the Lord calls in nature, other people and other things. It’s a good thing to be ready for that too.
I’ll join you in trying harder not to miss those signs. Maybe if we remind each other, it won’t be such a challenge 🙂
Happy Weekend!
Ceil
Hello Ceil, I loved this! I may just need bigger signs or have my vitals checked!
But this is so true! I have been so busy with family and trying to keep things running as smooth as I can! We just seem to have those very busy times!
I just wanted you to know I am still alive and blogging! We just had our 8th grandbaby! What a joy to be able to go see them twice this year!
Yours, Roxy
Hi Roxy! How nice to see you today!
Congratulations on the birth of your eighth grandchild! Wow, your family is just growing and growing. There’s just nothing like grandchildren. I know I just love my grands so much. I don’t get a chance to see mine as much as I would like.
I’m sure you are very busy, I appreciate your taking the time to write a comment. Yes, I could use some bigger signs myself 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend,
Ceil
Hello and thanks for another great post. Another marvelous analogy you have made from your washing machine. Yes, I see signs but disregard them all the time too…God help me to know how to properly respond to warnings I receive. Thanks so much for this.
Hi Deb! Thank you for your kind words! I really appreciate them.
It seems like ‘missing signs’ is something we all do from time to time. I just wish I didn’t do it as much as I do! Like you, I pray to be more aware of God’s presence in the everyday. He can speak through anything!
Have a peaceful Sunday 🙂
Ceil
I love this Ceil. I’ve also had situations where I realized I missed the warning signs. In some situations, the signs were like neon flashing signals that I simply chose to ignore. I pray I too will become more aware of the warning signs. Thank you so much for sharing.
Many blessings to you,
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn! Great to see you again!!
Good point about seeing the signs, and ignoring them. I am sure I’m guilty of that too. Ugh. I should have talked about that too, it’s just as problematic as missing them all-together.
Many blessings to you too. It’s so wonderful to see you back and visiting,
Ceil
Awesome post my friend. Thank you for a wonderful post..thoughtful as usual. Blessings
Hi Linda! Thank you for your encouraging words about the post, I really appreciate them.
Have a peaceful Sunday, and blessings to you too 🙂
Ceil
I love your description of your washing machine dying! Our washing machine is buggy. It leaks sometimes and sometimes you go in and find everything hanging out in murky water, but if you take it back to spin and start it again, it finishes it up. I told my husband this is probably our sign we should start shopping for a new one!
Hi Stefanie! It does sound like you have a sign there, doesn’t it? Or a leaky hose… Appliances seem to have a mind of their own, don’t they?
Hope you had a great weekend!
Ceil