But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.” But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the LORD his God and heal me! Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” So Naaman turned and went away in a rage.  But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’”  So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child, and he was healed!  II Kings 5:10-14  NLT

Yesterday was bath day. It had been delayed by a busy schedule, inclement weather (which renders bath day useless), and admittedly, reluctance — more on Famous’ part than mine. I really need some sort of calendar or program application just to know when the stars align to signal the perfect time to “take the plunge”.

Famous does not come to me wagging his tail in anticipation of his bath. He is more likely to protest the notion that I need him to smell less like a dog. Therefore, it is best not to give him any hints that the bath is coming. And, if the stars have aligned, then it is a warm, dry, sunny day, Famous has already been groomed and walked, and the bathroom has been previously prepped with dog shampoo, conditioner, combs, and extra towels. But when he realizes his fate is at hand, Famous is a good dog and cooperates until the ordeal is over. He really gets a great deal of praise, but he is happiest when it’s all over. Then he can run through the house rubbing his wet coat against anything that can help him dry off.

I think most of us have fallen into a trap when it comes to receiving God’s blessing. First, we think we know what is best for us based on our own perceptions of truth and experience. And second, because God is God, we assume He does all of the work. God does not need us in order to grant the blessing. He needs us to accept the blessing in a way that will transform us and bring us closer to his understanding.

Wash away all of my conceit and arrogance, Lord, and enable me to receive Your blessings.

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