April 20, 2009

The soil of foot traffic from winter months of rain and mud, holidays and four pets begin to show up on my light colored floor covering. I couldn't stand to look at it anymore so I arranged for the carpet cleaners to come. Carl and I moved all the furniture into the hallways and kitchen to give them plenty of access. Of course, I didn't mind the mess because I knew it would only last for one day.

The next morning, when I got up at 7:30, the carpets were dry, so I started to put the house back in order. As I dusted the furniture, I noticed how filthy the curtains and windows were as well. So I took down curtains and put them in the laundry, washed the windows, dusted pictures and wiped the trim at the ceiling and floor. It seemed every time I thought I was just about finished, there was something else that needed detailing.  

Before I knew it, it was 4:00 and I was supposed to have dinner ready for guests who were coming over at 6:00! By that time, I was so sore from stooping, lifting and cleaning, I could hardly move. The physical state of  "I've way overdone it" is typical for me, because I get so charged when I'm in the middle of a project. I don't want to stop. However, I knew if I could just get through the evening commitment, I would finally sit back, nurse my aching body and relish my accomplishment....a sparkling clean house!

The following morning, Carl was sitting in the den and said, "Oh my gosh, look at all the cobwebs above the ceiling fan!" He promptly got a wet cloth and began to clean. While he worked he said, "Now isn't that funny, here we thought we had cleaned the house really well. In fact, I would never have noticed the cobwebs swaying from the ceiling had the sun not been shining on it at just the right angle." 

At that moment, it struck me. Isn't that just like our lives. We make every effort to renew or minds and hearts and let go of past failures but because our lives are so complex, there's usually layers of our "flesh" that God is still redeeming. In fact, there are things that we don't even see until His light illuminates them. Things like behavior habits or response patterns that don't glorify Him... even well meaning "ghosts of traditions" from our past that keep us locked in unbelief. 

It reminded me to always keep the doors of my heart open to Him for further purifying.  I realize He sees me in His garment of righteousness but my pursuit is to become more like Him in every way. And since becoming virtuous and holy is a process, I invited Him to always shed light on any part of my life that does not make Him smile. I can trust He will.