Authenticity

 “Our Christian tradition is marked by hope. This feels like a time where we need hope.” Pastor Jonathan Barker of Grace Lutheran Church

Early last month our dishwasher ran its last cycle.

It had been giving us signs that it was nearing the end of it's time. It quit draining water fully years ago. But early this month the last working feature quit and the dishes were no longer clean. At all. It was time to let it go.

As there often is, there was a gap between when it broke and this new one arrived.

In that gap, we laboriously handwashed dishes for what is typically six people who eat most of their meals out of our home.

Hours of the day became the wash, rinse, dry cycle. By hand.

In that time, the little one and I sang show tunes. We talked about friendships and dreams. We laughed as the dog was confused about the new routine. Trying to lick things in the dishwasher is one of his favorite past times.

In that time, SD and I caught up on our days. Shared the ins and outs and nuances that might otherwise get skipped over in the nightly routine of dinner, bedtime routines and the dog.

In the lack of convenience, we had to make time to be still.

To wash, to rinse, to dry.

To connect.

The new dishwasher came (God bless my brother) and hours reappeared into my day.

And quickly the time and space we'd made for each other disappeared.

Each time I load the new dishwasher (ever thankful) I have been thinking about what we trade for convenience.

What we give up. Versus what we gain.

I'd wager we've given up authenticity in favor of superficial.

We "follow" each other on social media and feel like we know each other.

Superficially.

Instead of meeting for a warm beverage and hearing about the coming/goings of each other's lives. In context. With body language and tone to help us respond.

Authenticity.

We text each other short little quips or forward funny memes (still a favorite of mine).

Superficial.

Instead of making actual phone calls and listening more than we talk.

Authenticity.

In the name of convenience, we've gained superficialness and lost authenticity.

Mama Warriors, many of us are coming off the holidays entering yet another busy season. Maybe it's another tech week for us drama moms, the beginning of a new sports season for others, and just the overwhelmingness that a school calendar brings.

Make space for the inconvenient.

There are so many stories of Jesus being "interrupted" by people in need. Way more handwashing stories than new fancy dishwasher ones. Times he stopped his plan and made space for the needs of those around him.

And in doing so he connected.

Authenticity.