Do you see what I see in this photo? As my mama would say, here is “something to tickle your funny bone!”
My mama loved crocheting dishcloths. She passed away in 2008, and the last ones she made were in 2006. I only have one left, which is in poor condition since I never quit using it.
It was in a pile of dish towels I was folding, and lately, I’m in a “clean it out and let it go” mode. I decided the ragged dishcloth had seen its better days. Of course, I had to take a photo before I discarded it.
When I viewed the photo, a ragged dishcloth with a funny face looked back at me.
Now, I ask you, how can I let go of something like this? Instead, I will frame it and hang it in my kitchen. It will not only be a topic of conversation but also a daily reminder of how old, worn-out things can bring joy to our lives.
When I saw the funny face in the ragged, torn, and useless dishcloth, I laughed. If my mama had been standing beside me when I placed the dishcloth on the table to take a photo, she would have arranged it so I could see more than a worn-out dishcloth. She would have wanted me to see “a funny face” and have a time of laughter.
In the middle of my laughter, I closed my eyes and could see my mama’s smiling face. It was as if I could hear her laughing with me.
God used the dishcloth to remind me of my mother and the times when she could have cried, complained, or thrown something or someone away, but she didn’t. She found joy in small things and believed in bringing out the best in people, especially those who were broken or had lost their way.
I’m grateful for how God uses small things to remind us He is in the details of our lives. He takes the broken things in our lives and makes them new again. He brings joy during hard times. I am also thankful that He wants us to experience laughter and joy and, at times, will use something like an old, worn-out dishcloth to make us laugh.
Our God is the giver of joy.
Pray
Father, thank You for Your divine presence in my daily life. You use unexpected things to bring us joy and laughter when we need a time of refreshing. Remind us daily that You are in the details of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sing a Song of Joy
Worship with CeCe Winans “I’ve Got Joy.”
You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever! Psalm 30:11-12 (nlt)
Sandi, I always look forward to your stories. This one made me laugh and then reminded me of how God does want us to enjoy life. Thank you for taking something that others would have missed, the funny face in the worn-out dishcloth, and using it to show us truths from God’s Word. He is our giver of joy. Thank you!
Thank you for bringing joy into my day and sharing the beautiful memory of your Mom. This is such a “treasure” to have to remind you daily of special days and times that the two of you shared. 💕
Thank you Sandra! It is a good reminder of precious times. I am so glad it brought joy to your day!
I loved this story and how it remains me not to miss having joy. I can get so focus on a task that I miss enjoying the moment. I smiled the whole time I read this story about a worn out dishcloth.
Great job!
Marilyn, I am so glad the story made you smile. Who would have thought an old, worn-out dishcloth could have so much impact and show us the importance of joy in our lives? My mama would be proud!
Enjoy your stories so much. I keep thinking I’ll set up an on line blog but just seem to never get around to it. My title might be A Widows life of JOY. Choose Joy. I Did. You can too. Love you and your writings. You are an inspiration.
Peggy, thank you so much. I think you should start a blog. You are a wonderful writer with stories to share that can help others.