Warning: Dishwasher Theology Ahead

Here’s a question that might spark more debate than politics at the dinner table: “When loading the dishwasher, do the utensils go handle side up or down?”

I’ve always voted to say “handles up” — it just feels safer, especially when there’s a rogue steak knife involved. But then I pull out a spoon and — what’s this? Dried cereal is still stuck like concrete. So much for efficiency.

And that’s when it hit me: maybe I am that dirty spoon. Stuck in the wrong direction. Needing a deep clean and a right-side-up reset.

You see, life — like dishwashers — works better when things are rightly ordered. Our souls, our bodies, our minds — all need to be placed in the proper position to receive what God has for us.

Otherwise, we’re just going through the motions, checking boxes, and numbing out with another to-do list.

But God didn’t create us for the rinse cycle. He created us for abundance.

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Are we thriving? Or are we striving? Striving leads to exhaustion. Thriving flows from surrender.

Jesus gave us the secret:
“Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

When we start with Him — really start with Him — peace comes. Priorities fall into place. That impossible list? He’ll handle it. That decision you can’t make? He’s already ahead of you.

And when we forget (and we will), He doesn’t scold us like a frustrated dishwasher technician. No, He whispers, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3)

So, whether you’re a handle-up or handle-down kind of soul, know this: God’s love does the cleaning. His grace does heavy lifting. Just show up, be willing, and seek Him first.

Even a dirty spoon finds its shine again. And for us — God’s love still washes us clean. Seek Him first — and let Him do the rearranging.