OH, ALMOST

OH, ALMOST

I know you see it-the shirt just in front of the hamper.

Although finding a piece of clothing on the floor next to the hamper is a daily occurrence, in the moment, I was struck by how that shirt looks similar to so much of my life.

The laundry almost makes it IN the laundry basket; my house is almost as clean as I like it; the papers are almost graded; and my clothes almost fit the way I like.

The feeling of almost has been particularly acute in my life recently. We are almost to the first Sunday for our church plant, I am almost done with the two classes I am taking (2 final exams today!), and I am almost done writing my book.

I look at all the areas of almost, and I am grateful.  I am tired, but grateful. I am grateful for clothes to wash, a house to clean, and a healthy body. I am also grateful for big dreams and upcoming accomplishments.

Almost can be a great place, and it can be a tiring place. This is why the shirt caught my eye. It was the thing that was almost right, but not quite. At least it was until I came along and brought it the rest of the way.

When life feels stuck in almost, and I just can’t bring myself the last few inches, I can throw my hands up and say carry me. I have God who will carry me; I have a family that will support me; and I have friends who are right there with me.

I might just be a dirty t-shirt on the floor occasionally, but that is okay by me. I can be carried the rest of the way…. which brings me back to grateful. I am not alone in the never ending flow of almost moments.

I’m looking forward to another day of almost.