On Automatic Toilets

I once went into a bathroom at church where I discovered two children having the time of their life with a game that annoys most adults. In this game one child would sit on the toilet and just when they were getting comfortable the other child would flush the toilet causing the sitting child to let out a little cry, leap up, and join the other child in hysterical laughter. At the time I just thought this irreverent and wondered where the children’s parents were but now that we live in a day of automatic toilets/water/paper towel etc… I realize that I too have experienced the phenomenon of sitting on the toilet while it flushes. I don’t let out a cry or join anyone in laughter but I do think at various circumstances where I have asked myself these questions.

Why does the toilet in the airport flush 4 times while you are still sitting on it but then doesn’t flush when you get up to leave?

How long are you supposed to wave your hand in front of the little sensor before pushing the button to make it flush?

Have you ever just walked out praying that it would flush before the next person walked in?

Do you find yourself opening the door with extra force in hopes that it would catch the little magic eye that triggered the switch?

Do you find yourself lingering outside of the stall waiting for the flush to happen?

Do you wonder what people are thinking you are doing lingering in the doorway of the stall?

And the automatic water…I sometimes feel like I am an inexperienced magician waving my hands randomly under the spout hoping that the water will soon appear, not only revealing my gifts but finally allowing me to wash my hands.

And what is up with the paper towel dispenser? Am I the only one who needs more that the four inch strip that comes out with the first series of abracadabra waves?

“Flour” Child

So one of my students asked me today if I was born in the sixties; I must admit, I was a little taken aback. What does one as young as I say to that? I guess he could tell by the expression on my face that I was slightly offended, but he was determined that he had a good excuse for the question...he wanted to meet a hippie.