I hope this will give you a great sense of relief

Jeanne and I took a trip outside of Moses Lake a while back. We had a wonderful time shopping, exploring and enjoying each other’s company.

At one point, we stopped to get some coffee at a small restaurant. Jeanne ordered while I excused myself to locate a restroom.

When I arrived at the door that said “Men’s Restroom,” it was closed. There were sounds from within so I reasoned that I would wait patiently for my turn.

Ten minutes passed. I was still standing there. By now, I was becoming impatient. I noticed that just a few feet away was the women’s restroom. The door was wide open and revealed single occupancy. I was tempted to dash in there and lock the door behind me. In the end, however, I couldn’t bring myself to do so. What held me back was a most terrifying thought. I envisioned exiting that room to find a woman waiting outside. How embarrassing would that be? So, I remained right there.

Finally, I heard him unlock the door. He opened it slowly and with caution. Moments later came a surprising revelation. Who stood before me was a short woman with white hair. At first she was startled as she met my gaze, but then collected herself, set her eyes straight ahead, and slowly moved past. The woman then declared, “Well, I guess I will leave the light on for you.”

I’m quite positive that she wasn’t the first person to ever think about using the wrong restroom.

From Ecclesiastes 1: 9, 10 – What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it is said, ‘See, this is new?’ It has already been in the ages before us.” (New Revised Standard Version).

Perhaps you’ve wondered about God in ways that you have been reluctant to share with others? Perhaps you have had struggles and doubts. Know this: you wouldn’t be the first person to do so. To me, this reveals that you are human. It is quite natural, and I wish more people would be open about such things. These thoughts are part of our walk of faith and we should be willing to express them to others without risk of ridicule or embarrassment.

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and has served as parish pastor for more than 25 years.