I went to the grocery store yesterday, and as I was putting everything away, I noticed that our pantry door’s hinges were squeaking. Every time I opened the door to put something else in, it made this horrible, long screech. I couldn’t find the WD-40, so I just had to deal with it over and over.

It went on like that all day. I didn’t realize how much I went in and out of that door, but now EVERYONE knew how often it was with that ridiculous sound. The thing was, it seemed like we’d just oiled that door, but as I thought about it, it really had been a while. Time just got away from me.

I actually notice this about myself, too. If I don’t pour in the oil of the Word on a consistent basis, or stay tuned in to the sound of His voice, I can become a little squeaky, myself. Hard to be around. Annoying. Bothersome. I start to act a lot less out of love and a lot more out of the dryness of my heart, and, well, that can be really noisy. Every now and then is really not enough to keep things smooth.

I’m going to get some WD-40 today, and fix the door. I’ll be spending some time in the Word, too. I’m sure everyone around me will be glad on both counts.

 

If I had the gift of being able to speak in other languages without learning them and could speak in every language there is in all of heaven and earth, but didn’t love others, I would only be making noise.” 1 Corinthians 13:1 LB

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 ESV

“Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:13 ESV