February 4, 2026
We all need a little bit of humor in our life, don’t we? I think we do. Tonight’s blog begins with just that, and well… it might be all the way through (that is, unless you’re using a sturdy 3-ply). LOL. Keep it clean, pastor! Keep it clean. Oh goodness, I can’t help myself.
Tonight’s post comes courtesy of my friend Jessica. Earlier this evening, around 6:30, Jessica dropped off her daughter for confirmation. I saw Julia but would’ve never guessed her mom was there—until, that is, I walked into the fellowship hall kitchen to grab a can of water.
Now, the lights to the fellowship hall were turned off (I think), so I wouldn’t have known anyone was in there. But as I rounded the corner, there she was, putting away boxes of garlic toast for our youth group’s annual spaghetti feed. (Shameless plug if you’re in the Comfrey area: Come for a wonderful meal and support a good cause! Sunday, February 15 beginning at 11am).
Anywho, I don’t think Jessica heard me walk in… that is until I said, “Howdy Jessica.” As she gasped for air, I think I saw her grow a few inches as she leapt into the sky. Surprise! Surprise, Jessica. From that point on, we shared a good laugh, then another, and another, until somehow the subject of our conversation turned to—of all things—toilet paper. Yup, you read right.
It all began when we started talking about this daily blog. Now, just so ya know, Jessica is probably my most faithful reader. So knowing that, I mentioned to her that I still had to write tonight’s post, and that this morning my first bit of thankfulness was all about running water. Jessica nodded her head, and from there somehow the conversation morphed into what running water is good for… especially all those unspoken bathroom-like things.
Now, Jessica has a wicked sense of humor, so I’m not sure if it was her, or me and my demented wit that thought of the subject, but all of a sudden, the talk of 1 vs. 2 vs. 3-ply came into play, as did the lack of TP in the Middle East. Jessica said I have to share the story. So, here it goes…
Back when I was in da fleet, we sailed to Alexandria, Egypt for a port of call. Cool place, by the way. Of course, we were cautioned against drinking the water or eating in any establishment. But, when you tell a sailor what NOT to do, he (or she) will do the opposite. So, my shipmates and I decided to try the local cuisine. (Because you’re curious, I had lamb chops, and oh my goodness, they were delicious).
Well, in any event, nature called, and ya know… I headed to the restroom. But lo and behold, there was no TP — not one square; no holder; NOTHING.
It was rumored (and we were cautioned) that over in them there parts of the world, the locals clean themselves without the use of toilet paper. (Use your imagination). That said, the lack of any product supported what we were told. Well, seeing that there wasn’t any form of cleaning agent remotely close to the governmental 1-ply like we use to, nature’s call had to wait. Dinner over, we headed back to the ship.
Anyway, I told that story to Jessica, and she said, “There you go. You have tonight’s blog.” Aren’t you so glad? LOL.
I know it’s a bit demented but think about it. Aren’t you thankful someone somewhere invented TP? And not only that, but realized that 1-ply doesn’t get it done, and came up with the idea to add another layer or two? (I know you’re laughing too, and maybe shaking your head). But it is so true.
Tonight, I’m thankful for toilet paper. In a pinch, that governmental 1-ply will do (ironically, the same stuff that we have at the church). But ya know, sometimes, it’s easier to avoid a No. 2 unless the place you’re in has the heavy-hitter stuff. When in doubt, carry your own, because what I’m truly thankful for tonight is that wonderful American invention: that 3-ply Cottonelle®.