Official Toy Cleaner

I wanted to share my experience with my new ministry. Now you might remember my going to the church a couple of times to make myself available for service. I have TONS of time and was sure there'd be tons of opportunity. I had several ideas of how I could contribute and help. The call came week before last. I was SO excited! Finally, the call I'd waited for...the possibilities were endless! What might they need help with? They needed a toy washer. Yes, a toy washer. My first reaction was to pretend I never got the message, find something else somewhere and possibly leave the church since I knew I could be identified as the person who volunteered.

I remembered Paul's and mine reading that morning just happened to be in John where Jesus washed the disciples feet. I considered this enough reasons to pursue the job. I'm sure the Lord is trying to teach me something here. Humility for sure. My issue with pride perhaps. I thought I'd hit rock bottom when I was laid off from my job (as the pointless person that could be eliminated) nope...now, your assignment is... toy washer.

Fortunately Paul and I share a great sense of humor. I called to tell him the story and he says "What? I thought they'd have you running the school or something...." Then he starts laughing and says "Moses! Moses! I'm here to help you! Do you need some help parting the red sea?" Moses replies, "Yes! We need someone to count the dogs!" Really put it in perspective.

So yesterday the big day arrives. I report to the church to pick up my toys for cleaning. There are six LARGE bins of toys. Toddler to Kindergarten. As I arrive home and begin to tackle the assignment I quickly become overwhelmed. What it looked like was someone had purchased 50 different toys, dumped them on the ground, mixed them up and then randomly placed them in the bins. Before long I have sections set up in the kitchen after the washing (which was a NIGHTMARE in most cases. Did we actually give these toys to the children?) one for food (plastic) one for action figures, one for Mr. Potato Head pieces...(where's his body?) It takes me 8 to 9 hours I'm not exagerrating. My back is killing me, I have toys all over the kitchen, on the patio drying, doll bodies and doll clothes in the dryer...I must have used the word nightmare 30 times.

I will say there was probably no one that would have done as good of a job as I did. You needed to use the magic eraser (how many people even KNOW about the magic eraser) to remove the marks on the toys, and I'm positive that no one is as anal as I am about organization and order. I found myself practically giddy when I'd find a part or a piece that went to something else. The unfortunate part was I started worrying about next week....will they return the toys to the right bin? Do I need to start policing the situation?

I returned the toys this am. When I get in one of the rooms I look around..tons more toys (all filthy of course) Most of them are of the larger variety (THERE'S where the iron and cell phone go) however, tucked in one corner was an EIGHT drawer plastic bin FULL of more dishes and food. I get to take these next week... PLEASE pray for me. Humorous as it is, it's also very boring and very tedious. I'm trying to remember that Jesus probably wasn't having fun either and I'm quite certain that A LOT of people volunteering and participating in ministries aren't necessarily feeling fulfilled and happy at the end of the day, the week, or often the year. I am learning I'm quite a little stuck up baby that thinks I have it all going on. (do they realize the capabilities I HAVE?) I'm fairly sure the Lord has me doing this for MANY reasons.