Pressure Washing

On a rare weekend without teaching or preaching responsibilities I gave my backyard patio and deck some much needed attention. As I pressured washed the deck I found it odd that it was so refreshing. As most of us preachers do, I probably gave this too much thought too,  It dawned on me as I watched the buildup grime and dirt wash away that it was refreshing because it was done. I could see the progress and when I finished I was finished. 

Rare in the world of ministry are we able to witness our progress in the most important of things we do, and even more rare are we able to step back, “admire” it and say it’s finished. The well-orchestrated event, it’ll roll around again next year and have to be even better or something is deemed wrong with it. The studied class, you know that text or topic will have to be preached and taught on again (so much of our work is “putting” people to remembrance, 2 Peter 1:12). 

And to spot individuals progress, it is often hard to pinpoint. Even a life well lived that ends here in faithfulness, it is celebrated in a mix of sadness in the temporary parting. 

I wonder if Jesus words “Tetelestai, it is finished” didn’t have a hint of rejoicing. His work here, for now, was done. 

And, I was reminded as I wiped clean the pressure washer and wheeled it back into storage, I’ll have to do this again in a couple of years, so even that isn’t really finished. But someday I trust to hear the words “‘Well done, good and faithful slave…enter the joy of your master.’ Until then, we wash and wait. Thank you for striving to faithfulness in your ministry.