When we lived in Turkey we moved house several times. I was intrigued to find that if there was a bathtub there was no plug! I noticed that neighbours with bathtubs often stored plastic basins and buckets there. Eventually I realised that culturally showering was considered important to flush the impurities away, and that to sit in a bath of ‘dirty’ water seemed a strange habit to my friends. Of course, in Islam there are rules about showering, personal hygiene, and ablutions; all involving free flowing water.
This applies to washing dishes too. I quickly adapted to the custom of rinsing them under the tap instead of wiping the detergent off with a tea towel! I do think this may be a bit of a blind spot we Brits have. However, I would rarely choose a shower over a bath. Perhaps if I was very dirty I would shower first and then have a bath.
Fortunately for me, Jesus gave no rules about outward cleanliness and was accused by the religious folk because of his lax approach. No, he put the emphasis on the heart, deceitful beyond measure, from which comes all manner of defilement: sinful thoughts, attitudes and actions (Matthew 15:18-20). If we confess our sins to him he promises to forgive us and cleanse us from within (1 John 1:9).
Since having knee replacement surgery I’ve found a warm bath to be very helpful in aiding my rehabilitation and I’ve discovered an easy way to get out of the tub.
Lenna’s Blog 