What exactly is Potty Training? Could it be Spiritual?

WARNING: Poopie talk ahead!

OK...so I am confused. Isn't potty training for the kids, not the adults? I feel like I am the one who is being trained. You see, every 45 minutes or so, I find myself rushing the Princess to the bathroom. Does she tell me she needs to go? No....does she really have any interest in going by herself? No, not really. And we're just talking pee-pee....we're not even talking about other things. Unfortunately, that hasn't gone in the potty. She sneaks off by herself and SURPRISE....she has a surprise. It's not much of a surprise for me, but somewhat of a reminder of why I love a washing machine.....Thank goodness I have one.

This literally reminded me of my spiritual life. I am constantly in training in my spiritual life. Paul says in 1 Cor. 9:24-27, "24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

And there are times when I do well. I get the spiritual gummy worms for doing it well. But then there are times when I sneak off and come back with a surprise of sin in my life. But it's not a surprise for me, I snuck off and did it. And it's definitely not a surprise to God, because He knows all things. Does it pain him when I am covered in sin? Of course because He longs for a life that is focused on Him. And graciously, He is willing to forgive me and help me clean up the mess I've made.

Lord, help me to have patience with the Princess. She is your gift to me. Remind me of your willingness to clean up my messes everyday.