Two Toilet Paper Squares

Two squares of toilet paper…

As I have said before, almost every childhood memory I have in some way involves one of my grandparents. Today’s memory is cut from that same endearing fabric.

When I was too young to go to school with my mom and sister, I got to stay at Granny’s house. These preschool years were certainly filled with all the usual… picky eating, nap negotiating, a runny nose, and rookie toiletry habits.

If you have been around a toddler, you know what I mean.

My grandparent’s house was (and still is) a white, classic wooden house nestled in the woods, faced with a picture window, the comforting sound of a grandfather clock, and warmed with the crisp smell of a wood heater. In size, the house contains the precise amount of space needed for the whole family to pile in and find a cozy spot for the holidays.

Not too big, not too small… it is just right.

Next to the back sewing room is the laundry/storage/bathroom. In my preschool years, it was here that Granny had to establish quite a few rules. No touching the water heater, no plundering in the cabinets, always wash hands, and be careful in the slippery tub.

Of all the bathroom rules, however, one stands out as the toughest. This was the “two squares of toilet paper” rule. Used as a guide for nose blowing and… well, you get the idea.

There was a part of me that thought this rule to be harsh, unrealistic, or even perhaps impossible.

Two squares of toilet paper could certainly not be sufficient! How can two squares compare to the toilet paper boxing glove I was accustomed to for these tasks? I needed more! But Granny insisted that it was enough.

Today, when I thought about this memory, it made me start thinking about what it really means to have enough. And for that matter, it made me think about how times I have had excess. The times that I “wanted” instead of “needed.” The times that I searched for satisfaction in the wrong places. The times that I took for granted how blessed I really am.

The truth is… I am guilty of getting caught up in the wanting. My personal desires and perceptions can cloud my thinking.

I too easily forget what I have, why I have it, and the price that was paid for it.

The truth is… God has provided more than I could ever need.

He is enough.

The sacrifice of His Son was enough.

From the lyrics of Jireh by Elevation Worship:

I'll never be more loved than I am right now

Wasn't holding You up

So there's nothing I can do to let You down

It doesn't take a trophy to make You proud

I'll never be more loved than I am right now,

You are Jireh, You are enough

Jireh, You are enough

And I will be content in every circumstance

You are Jireh, You are enough

Forever enough

Always enough

More than enough

Forever enough

Always enough

More than enough

A familiar Psalm. Most of us know it by heart. Read it slowly. Soak it in.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Psalm 23

This week we celebrate Thanksgiving. I want to remember how blessed I am. I want to remember that God is enough.

My prayer is that you will remember this too.