When the Washing Becomes Personal - Part 2 of 2

Later that same week, after the dishwasher is fixed and the skin begins to heal, the garden is moved. From the back corner to the adjacent side, we shift the growing beds. Disease took last year's tomato crop. Chemicals or rest for the soil are prescribed cures. We chose the latter.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;

according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.  Psalm 51:1

The stone path must be moved by hand. Small fingers grasp soil laden stones to the patio. Rain is expected the next day. We hope the water drops will cleanse the filthy stones.

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! Psalm 51:2

A day later, rain clouds diminished, grimy stones remain. Basking in the sun, these stones heat to dry, but are not cleansed completely.

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.  Psalm 51:3

A system of hand washing emerges. Small hands load the stones into plastic pots. Offering them to their daddy. Carefully, he rinses each pile until only clean stones remain.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.  Psalm 51:10

The stones, looking like new, are moved to the new garden path. 

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation,

and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.  Psalm 51:14

Clean, ready for service.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.  Psalm 51:17

~ Dorie