Get in the Bathtub

Contrary to what today's title may imply, I'm sorry to say that our time together is not about soaking in the tub and prioritizing self-care, though, of course, that is a fantastic idea.

Today, we are talking about the importance of perspective.

Please allow me to explain.

A couple of years ago, I was helping a friend through a significant transition. She was ending a big job, and was excited about having the time to focus on cleaning, organizing, and decluttering her home as she prepared for the next chapter of her life.

Our work together was filled with laughter, joy, tears, and the opportunity for her to see me in my very attractive painting clothes.

One of our projects included repainting her bathroom and installing a new mirror above the sink.

No matter how hard we tried, we could not get that mirror straight. A little to the left, a little to the right. Nope, that's not it.

It was a tiny bathroom with little space between the sink and the tub. I knew I needed to step back to get some perspective, and I kept leaning back, but I didn't have the room I needed.

Something had to be done because I could not allow her to start her day staring into a crooked mirror.

So, I loudly and proudly declared, "GET INTO THE BATHTUB."

After minutes of snorting giggles, we hopped into the bathtub to gain the perspective we needed to adjust the mirror so it hung straight.

Isn't that the way it is with life?

When faced with issues - change, uncertainty, fear - we are so close we can't see straight.

We keep trying the same things—a little to the right, a little to the left—nope, that's not it. Our back starts to hurt as we lean back with our feet firmly planted in worry and fear.

We are nose to nose with our problems - overthinking and wrestling with the what ifs, whys, and what nows.

When we step back, we get the perspective we need to get things straight and see clearly.

Charlie Chaplain once said, "Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but comedy in long-shot."

Sometimes, it feels more like a drama, mystery, or horror film, but I get what he was implying.

Things become clearer with some time, distance, and patience.

We are better equipped to make the next right decision when we step back and allow perspective.

I learned an important lesson that day in the bathtub (that should be a song lyric - just sayin').

When wrestling with what to do next in a complex situation, I imagine God yelling, "GET IN THE BATHTUB."

I take deep breaths and imagine myself stepping back and soaking in a warm bubble bath in a beautiful enclosed room with huge glass windows (you can see out, but no one can see in, thank goodness) overlooking a beautiful scene—a waterfall in the distance, rolling green hills, and a beautiful brook as I listen to the water and soft sounds of wind blowing through the trees.

My goal is to sit there until my fingers are pruned and my mind is quiet(er).

Stepping back and allowing myself to breathe and rest gives me the opportunity to calm my mind so I can think clearly and allow God to straighten things out.

That perspective and rest allow me to shake off the desperation, panic, and overreaction - my go-to responses and enable and trust God to repurpose those frenzied responses into action and calm, peaceful next steps.

So, my friend, if you are in a wrestling match with your issues right now, listen to me when I say, "GET IN THE BATHTUB!"

You will be amazed how things straighten out!

Philippians 4: 6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 4: 17-18

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.