Vol.VII No.VII Pg.8
September 1970

Stuff About Things

Robert F. Turner

Did you ever stay in a DO—DAD HOUSE? It is an exasperating experience for a fellow with reasonably functional tastes. (The advantage of being the writer —- you get to be the reasonable one.)

You are welcomed into a living room, but the chairs are draped with dainty crocheted doilies. To avoid disarranging these you turn to the couch — cluttered with satin pillows that are decorated with stiff lace, of intricately folded designs, that you would not dare crush.

You are shown to your room, where every available space has more do — dads. The desk, where you hoped to place a typewriter, and books, is cluttered with useless trivia — a ladies shoe, covered with colored macaroni, filled with styrofoam, holding some imitation daisies. The dresser- top space is taken with painted bottles, a miniature Chic Sales from Rock City, and an unidentifiable curlicue made from a soft-drink can.

But the bath room is the prize. In the tub sets a nylon—knit swan, complete with three cygnets. And if that isnt enough, a colorful ball of imitation flowers hang from the shower nozzle. You could, perhaps. put the swan and her young out of the tub and not use the shower, but the soap is beautifully decorated with sequins and pins. Some do—dad homes have tiny linen towels, obviously not for use; while others have big fluffy bath-towels — done up to look like a cute doggie, with the bath-cloths attached in the form of puppies.

In a desperate effort to stay the wrath of the talented women who make and display these do—dads, Ill admit that I have grouped them in a hypothetical house, and that many of them are attractive. But how does one kill a fly with a swatter all loaded with knitting, buttons and spaghetti?

Can you believe the Lord built a do—dad house? I believe the beauty of the Lords house (His people) is in its service, the functioning of every part in that work for which it was intended. Christians, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices. (1 Pet. 2:5) We must be meet for the masters use, and prepared unto every good work.

Now, how is the Lords work to be done with a house full of do—dads?