Monday, June 04, 2007

Dishes And Dawn

I am thankful for the much needed rain we received over the weekend. The crops have been very dry and started to "yellow." This is not good. We all know the effects of farming season. It is like everything else. When conditions are good, prices are pretty stable, but when weather is not accommodating, our veggie prices go through the roof. I don't know about you, but I am paying more than I want to for items of necessity as it is.

I have been trying to cut back on purchases and I have been using as little electricity as possible. I haven't used my dryer but once in about a month. I hang all of my laundry on the clothesline. I love the fresh smell it gives my clothes. I have also been hand-washing all of my dishes. No dishwasher running up the bill here. While I was preparing the dish water the other day, I picked up my bottle of Dawn and squirted amount needed for the perfect lather under the flowing faucet. The smell of it brought back so many memories.

I thought about the days I would stand at the sink as a small child while my grandmother washed dishes. I can still see that big, pink bottle of the cheapest stuff she could afford. I think it was called Lilac or something like that. It was not known to have the staying power of the name brand stuff, but she used it just the same. I know she had to use twice as much to get those dishes clean. By the time she did this she could have gotten the better stuff. It's strange that I remember what my grandmother used at that time, but not my own mother. As I got older and laden with the dish washing responsibility, (we did not own a dishwasher) I did not want to use the pink stuff. I wanted something that would last. I wanted Dawn. Do any of you remember your first encounter with Dawn. I knew this was the one for me. I am not sure where I first used this super, sudsy, power house, but I was impressed.


This is a great product, and as time has passed, it has evolved into many different fragrances and formulas. Through the years, I left my first love of the original and was led away to try some of the other scents. I even strayed for awhile and tried other brands. There is no substitute. I had decided to go back to the original. After all, this is what sold me to begin with. I finished filling my sink with the sudsy blue formula and thought about how I had missed the "original" scent. There is an indescribable clean smell about it.


While washing my dishes, I thought about how we as Christians, can easily be led away from our first love. We are constantly being tempted with new gadgets and gizmos that keep our lives busy. Our focus should not be on the things we acquire in this life. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with having material things if we know how to manage time spent with them. In fact, I think God blesses us with lots of things that make our life easier. We are children of the king and He wants us to have the best, but we must keep our eyes on Him first. All these other "things" are bonuses and only bring temporary satisfaction if we don't keep them in the proper perspective. God is the originator of our life's contentment. If we find ourselves discontented, we need to go back to the Original. Jesus Christ. He is the only one that can fill the void in our lives.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

9 comments:

Blog is no more said...

I remember Lilac and my grandmother used it too! After I was grown and was the "woman of the house" I used to buy it just for hand soap in the bathroom, cheaper than the good stuff.

I do remember my first encounter with Dawn too. Did you drip a drop in an oily pan just to see the greasy bubbles move out to the side?

I agree, we do get wrapped up in things of this world and forget the Original. I say we get back down to the basics, God accepts us the way we are, dirt, grease and all.

Debbie said...

"God accepts us the way we are, dirt, grease and all."

Sharon, I loved this!
Lol I don't remember doing oily pan test, but I do remember that from the commercial.

Denise said...

This post made my heart smile, thanks.

Unashamed said...

What a sweet memory. It never ceases to amaze me what God can use to speak to our hearts! Who would have thought that there was a devotional message hidden in a soap bottle? Thank you for this.

Beth/Mom2TwoVikings said...

I used to not know what I was missing. Then, God and I found each other at my current church. It was like falling in love. Now I find it ironic that me as well as my church family have to keep gettin' revved up with revivals, speakers, sermon series, etc. to keep the excitement and fire.

I feel like we'd wander away "regularly" if we're not careful...

eph2810 said...

What a beautiful reflection on the life as a Christian. You are right, we should always focus our devotion on the Original. He is our strength, peace and power.
I always wonder why some church advertise all their side-attractions, like a kiddy-carnival, powerful guest speaker etc.? Why not only 'advertise' the Original reason why we should attend church...I know I am off the topic, but that is something that has been on my mind a lot...
Be blessed today and always.

Pearls of Wisdom said...

What a wonderful post. You are such an inspiration. I have been hanging my clothes out too but do tend to use the dishwasher. This post made me realize I need to hand wash more. Thanks are bills have doubled in our state. You are right and the prices of things are continuing to escalate.

Love the verse you picked.

Have a wonderful week my friend.

Angel ():)

Debbie said...

Oh Iris, You were not off topic at all. You got exactly what I was trying to say. There is nothing wrong with the things you mentioned, but they should all point to Jesus. Afterall, He is the reason for all things!

Sharon said...

My mother always used Palmolive as long as I can remember. Leaves soft hands, right? I washed a lot of dishes (no dishwasher in our house either). When my new hubby and I went on our first shopping trip, I bought Dawn. I had seen all the commercials and how great it works to remove grease. I just had to try it and loved it ever since. Couldn't convince my mom to change. In fact, they still use Palmolive!

I agree totally that we must keep our eyes on Jesus for without him, nothing matters. It's good to remind each other of this frequently.

Another great post Debbie!