THE FITTED SHEET

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9 New King James Version)

Here is a prelude to “The Fitted Sheet.” A famous pastor, a very erudite theologian, a musicologist, and a historian, once said, “Christians are not failures, but we do have failings.” I agree and I thank God for how He forgives us, cleanses us, and give us a new opportunity to get it right. What a merciful and patient God we serve, Praise God for a minute! When you are done praising Him for what you were just reminded of in this prelude, proceed to read about “The Fitted Sheet.”

Trying to work ahead Tuesday night, I was praying that the Lord would give me some inspiration for today’s meditation. I was hitting a blank. Nevertheless, I headed for my computer trusting that the Lord would provide me with just what I needed. However, before I could sit down at my desk, I remembered that I had taken a set of sheets out of the dryer, but had not folded them yet. My wife was in the room so I asked her if she would help me fold the fitted sheet. I confessed as I made my request that I usually just ball it up and put it under the top sheet in the closet. She stopped what she was doing and came to help me. Each of us took hold of two of the four corners, I asked, “What’s next? She said, “Fold it in half!” I complied. Next, following her lead, we folded it again. There may have been another step before she took over the folding completely. I watched, eager to learn how to be perfect at the task of folding the fitted sheet. When she finished, I looked at her finished work and remarked like my great-grandson would have make, speaking clearly, seriously, openly expressing what I saw. I said, “Looks similar to the balled- up technique.” She looked up at me, not in disgust, but with a burst of laughter. I joined in immediately and we both laughed until we cried. After folding the top sheet by myself, I took the balled-up sheet and put it in the linen closet, under the well-folded balled up sheet. We will try for perfection the next time when we have to deal with the fitted sheet.

I know you are visualizing this true account, and you probably have experienced the same thing and after a quick onset of exhaustion, you too deferred to the ball up technique. Like me, you probably desired to get it perfect the next time it was washed and dried. Do you want to know something?  I know you said, “Yes!” So, let me tell you something, applicable to your living like a Christian and trying to get all things right. You see God just gave me the desired inspiration. This is what I need to tell you. When you find yourself falling short of perfection in living as a Christian ought in all situations on every occasion, remember this news flash: YOU ARE JUST LIKE ALL OTHER BELIEVERS. But keep in mind that we have to keep striving for the goal that Jesus gave us in the verse below. Yet, keep in mind that in this life, we will not ever get everything perfect. But every day, including today, we must strive for perfection. I’ve said it before, but remember that if you strive for perfection, you achieve excellence.  

Friend, thank God for another day, and another opportunity to make perfect progress on our Christian journey. Have a great day! Remember the fitted sheet analogy. Be blessed!

“You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48 English Standard Version)

Committed to the climb,

Mark L. King