Spring Cleaning for the Christian Mom
The other morning as I walked our night nurse out, I was astounded at how quickly everything seemed to change almost overnight. I heard the birds singing and could smell the newness of the day. The air was crisp but teased with a hint of the warm temperatures ahead. It gave me a sense of new hope. Isn’t that what spring is about anyway: new beginnings? The new flowers peeping from the ground. The fresh buds on the trees. New little baby animals exploring their new world?
Just like each morning brings newness to the day, so does the Lord’s mercy let us start with a clean slate. God’s grace is renewed each morning. Thank You Father that yesterday’s mistakes do not corrupt today! As the saying goes, “Today is called present because it is a gift from God.” We get to choose to have a good day. Yes, I said CHOOSE! If we go to bed worrying about things that happened during the day, they are still going to be there when we wake. But if we hand them over to the waiting hands of our glorious Father, we can sleep well and wake rejuvenated! First thing in the morning say “Today is going to be a great day! Thank You Father! ” and keep that thought with you! It won’t always be easy, but keep at it. It is well worth it!
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
Spring also brings spring cleaning. Now don’t get me wrong; I’m not an immaculate housekeeper. (Hey! I have kids too! Lol) But just the thought of cleaning and letting in fresh air is exciting! Like I said, it is a time for new, or fresh, beginnings!
As I was praying about this column, the Lord laid on my heart that it isn’t just our houses that need to be “spring cleaned”. We also need to take some time and clean our spiritual house. If you are like me, sometimes those pesky cobwebs of jealousy, gossip, and selfishness just want to hang around in the dark corners of our heart. No matter how hard I try or how high I jump, I just can’t seem to completely eradicate them! But my Heavenly Father has the ultimate Swiffer, with a fresh smelling, anti-cling power cleaner that is just right for the job! All we have to do is ask Him to help us with our difficult tasks. Move over Merry Maids: Heavenly Help is here!
And just like spring cleaning our home means cleaning every corner and crevice, deep cleaning ourselves requires looking into many aspects of our life. For instance, would you hang new curtains over dirty windows, or put clean rugs down on a muddy floor? Of course not! Then why would we pray for forgiveness for using foul words, but then continue to gossip about the new neighbor that just moved in with five kids and no husband??
Hmmmmmm…
I find it easier to take things one at a time. If gossiping is your biggest pitfall, work on that. Start with a commitment to yourself that you will only say good things about a person. If you slip, ask for forgiveness and try harder. Each time will get easier and easier. Pretty soon you will be able to not join in on gossip sessions! The good news is that one step leads to another and before you know it the “son” is shining through you for all to see!
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10
Copyright © Robin Pack, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved
Makes me think of — walk the walk, talk the talk but does our walk talk and does our talk walk. Spring housecleaning — what a unique concept, I’ll have to try that — SOMEDAY. I’m so thankful each second brings us a do over by asking forgiveness.