09 Jul “Do the Stripes on the Sheets Have to Match?”
Recently, I shared about my severe back pain and medical issues. Thank you all for your prayers, encouragement, and compassion. Throughout this experience, I’m learning to let go of some of the simple things in life while I hopefully heal from this condition. I’m realizing that my husband is capable of taking care of household chores. Although his cleaning methods differ from mine, I appreciate his efforts. One important task is changing the sheets on the bed. The question I posed to myself this week is, “Do the stripes on the sheets have to match?”
We have two basic sets of sheets. One set features small, light blue flowers on a white background. Beautiful. The second set has an off-white background and brown accent stripes.. Also, beautiful. The king-sized sheets fit perfectly if they are aligned properly. A tag on one end gives a reference to the best possible positioning of the sheets. I use that tag to make sure the sheets fit properly on the bed.
However, last week, as Alan changed the sheets, I sat on the couch in the living room. While he worked, I watched a television show about gardening. He completed the task and alerted me to come and see how nice the bed looked.
As I entered the bedroom, the first thing I noticed was the bedspread arranged perfectly. I smiled. Next, I noticed the sheets and laughed out loud. “How in the world did you get the sheets on the bed like that?”
With a surprised look, my dear husband answered. “What do you mean? Isn’t that the way they are supposed to go? It works.”
How could I complain? I’m not sure how he maneuvered those sheets, but they fit and stayed in place until the next time he changed them. Good job!
God is reminding me every day that He is in control. I may have plans for my life, but, right now, God has other plans that He is working through me. Will I ever know why I am experiencing such pain and struggles with my back and spine? Maybe there will be answers. Maybe not. Yet, this struggle is bringing me closer to Him.
I lament, cry, scream, and pray for the pain to cease. I ask “Why?” Then, I pause and thank God for the comfort He has provided already. I thank God for the prayers of many friends and strangers. I thank God for my family who loves me and sends me encouragement every day. I thank God for His love and mercy.
When I calm from the pain, I smile and think about the sheets. No, the stripes on the sheets don’t have to match. That’s okay.
How are things with you today? Are you handling household tasks today?
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV)
Have a blessed day,
Melissa Henderson aka Mimi
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Laurie Larsen
Posted at 12:20h, 09 JulyThinking of you and praying for healing!
Melissa G. Henderson
Posted at 12:27h, 09 JulyThank you Laurie. I appreciate your prayers. Have a blessed day! 🙂
Katherine Pasour
Posted at 21:17h, 09 JulyI’m so glad your husband is doing such a great job. You are right, when the load is shared, the stripes don’t need to match. Sending prayers and get well soon wishes.
Melissa G. Henderson
Posted at 22:05h, 09 JulyThank you Katherine. Have a blessed day! 🙂
Carol Souders
Posted at 16:21h, 10 JulyYou are very blessed to have such a wonderful husband. And, my goodness, he’s a creative man and has created a new style.
Melissa G. Henderson
Posted at 16:53h, 10 JulyHaha! He is very creative with cleaning. Have a blessed day! 🙂
Lynn J Simpson
Posted at 13:50h, 11 JulyI sure can get stuck in how I think household tasks should be done. Almost every time I put my dirty dishes in the dishwasher, I’m rearranging the dishes already added by others! LOL. But I’m learning different does not mean wrong! 🙂 I’m glad you have help, Melissa, and pray you are getting better.
Melissa G. Henderson
Posted at 15:03h, 11 JulyThank you Lynn. I’m thankful for the doctors that God is providing. There is an answer and hopefully, we’ll know something soon. Have a blessed day dear friend! 🙂
Barbara Harper
Posted at 19:18h, 11 JulyI had to smile at this for a couple of reasons. One, I use the tag on sheets as a guideline, too. And I can fret over household tasks not being done the “right” way. Like Lynn, I often rearrange the dishwasher contents. But when I don’t, the dishes still gets clean. The bed still gets slept in. It’s good you can smile about these things and keep them perspective. Praying for healing and pain relief.
Melissa G. Henderson
Posted at 21:10h, 11 JulyThank you Barbara. I’m learning to “let go” of certain ways I do things. haha! Hubby Alan is taking great care of me. Have a wonderful and blessed weekend dear friend. 🙂
karentfriday
Posted at 22:16h, 11 JulyMelissa, I smiled as soon as I saw the featured photo and your title. My husband’s cleaning methods are definitely different than mine. Glad the sheets “worked” until next changing time. Continued prayers for you, so sorry you’re having to endure such back pain.