Toilet Paper Time
Have you ever thought about how much we take toilet paper for granted? Nobody gets excited to buy it, or asks for it for Christmas or their birthdays. There’s never news stories or even commercials about the newest developments in toilet paper technology. We don’t even put it in highly visible places in our stores- it’s always tucked away in some aisle far from the door. And yet, it’s one of a very small number of items that we’ll go straight to the store to buy if we discover we’ve run out.
This might feel like a set up- like I’m carefully crafting an allegory that will open your eyes to some spiritual need to run out and meet right away this lent… It’s not though. The reality is that toilet paper, as unglamorous as it is, is something that we all need, and for families struggling to put food on the table (or keep a roof over it) it can be one more expense that keeps other needs out of reach. That’s why each year we collect toilet paper to be distributed through the F-M Food Pantry. Last year we gave over 3,000 rolls: enough to cover 9-10 months of need.
Throughout this month we will, once again, be gathering toilet paper (and financial gifts to buy toilet paper). I hope that you’ll continue to give generously. In fact, if you are looking for a spiritual exercise for this lenten season, think about giving generosity a try.
Blessings,
Pastor Nate
