Our Our Way: Doc's shower

Acts 3: 19-20 'Repent, turn to God, and He will forgive your sins and send you times of refreshing'

Out our way, even on the higher levels of the Tiger Ridge, it gets hot in the summer when working cows and riding fence. I confess the smell of horse sweat is sweet to me, but when I curry and comb Doc down after a ride, I can tell he isn't a big fan of being sweaty.

Fortunately, the owner of the barn, corral, pasture and paddock I use for Copper installed a walk in shower for horses. After I unsaddle him and quickly brush him down, I will lead Doc into the narrow shower stall. I tie him off and close the gate - and then turn on the water.

I won't say I see the steam rise off his back as cool water mixes with hot sweat, but I see Doc's ears going back and forth indicating he is enjoying the bath. When I take him out and brush off the remaining water and then curry him, he is relaxed and seemingly refreshed from the day's labors. Then I lead him to his paddock and his girlfriend, Babe, and his formerly weary tread becomes an eager trot as his head and ears show he is a happy camper. 

Who among us has not had to deal with long and sometimes depressing days when we are not only physically, but spiritually bushed. There is a reason why the Kings of Israel and Judah had holy men around them -who prayed for them and helped them to pray as well. Samuel may well have been at David's elbow as David wrote so many of the Psalms. David too went through bad times -for he was an adulterer and at times a tyrant. But God did not give up on him. The results of his sins were catastrophic to his life and his reign - but in time he repented and eventually was restored to peace. Like Doc's cold shower, repentance and prayer washed away much of the "sweat of sin". The consequences remained - but the reign of David as king of Israel did not perish.

I find my own sins astounding when I allow myself to "smell the stink of my sin." Unlike Doc's it is most unpleasant and causes me and others to metaphorically, "hold the nose". Ugh! I also find I grow weary from it and sometimes have to pay the price. But I keep in mind Doc's shower. I repent and pray for forgiveness - and indeed refreshment follows.

If you are having rough times for the same reason, may I recommend "Doc's Shower" of repentance and prayer? It feels good to get cleaned up!

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Brother John

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The Rev. John Bruington is the retired pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Havre. He now lives in Colorado, but continues to write "Out Our Way." He can be reached for comment or dialogue at [email protected].