Soulful Spring Cleaning

My physical abode is not spotless or pristine. On Wednesdays' it is presentable because we have friends over and I take special care to tidy up; my house sports a country lived-in style. However, two times a year whether it needs it or not, (I don't believe I've ever had a 'not' yet), I get down and dirty to Spring Cleaning and/or Fall Cleaning. Funny thing, the same sort of thing with my soul.

Although soul cleaning should happen more often. Here's how I do it:

 "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10 NIV).

1. Start at the top and work to the bottom. Like in housework, I begin at the top and end at the bottom. Pray. Ask the Lord to show you what areas in your life need attention." If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9 NIV).

2. Check everywhere. It might surprise you where dirt lies in your spiritual life. Seemingly smooth surfaces can harbor dust and grime. The thinnest layer of dust blurs the view to our Lord. Blow with a request to the Holy spirit and replace that dust with a clean slate of pure love. "The spirit gives life ;the flesh counts for nothing" (John 6:63 NIV).

3.Take a scrub pad to your Bible study. You may find yourself in a rusty reading rut. Try something fresh; a study guide, praise songs, maybe even a new Bible. Scrape rust off time in the Word and give a new sharpened edge to the sword of Truth. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12 NIV).

4. Replace filters. Just as filters in our appliances, water supply, and furnaces keep out detrimental items, ensuring each item a long and productive life, so do the 'filters' of our mind and heart. We can always replace appliance, furnaces etc. but, if we allow life's debris to choke heart, soul and mind filters, our usefulness to Father's kingdom will be almost useless. "Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you" James 1:21 (NIV).

5.Perform Safety checks. If your spiritual life is weak, check the connection to the power supply which if damaged can be ineffective and weak. Search your heart and mind to find needs that need recharging and do it.

6.You might be surprised at the relief a clean, sparse closet full of functional items has. Clean out the closet tossing or giving away unwanted items. How many useless items hang in our spiritual closets? Take inventory of old attitudes, traditions, 'sacred cows', and secrets. Evaluate each one carefully and cast out any that are merely taking up space, or may be harmful. You might discover freedom and relief at your new serviceable no-nonsense spirituality. "Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds" Ephesians 4:22 b (NIV).

7.First Aid Kits are used only when necessary. This spring, inventory your kits to make sure medication expiration dates are good and other items in usable condition. Replace items that are too old, mildewed or open (if they are meant to be sterile). Is your soul feeling mildewed? When was the last time you seriously committed anything to the Lord? Has your commitment to Him about expired? Spring is a time of fresh stars. He's always waiting.

8. When whitewashing fences or decks, make sure to pressure wash the surface thoroughly before applying a new coat of stain or paint. Life's pressure should not separate us from the Lord but rather clearing out ground-in dirt and flush rubbish out. Apply a fresh clean coat of prayer to protect and seal the unblemished surface.

Spring cleaning encompasses many areas: yards, computer desk tops, carpets, bathrooms, books, clutter, kitchens, gardens. Though the areas are diverse they can all be dealt with in the same manner: throw out old, dirty, useless items and replace or repair with new, scrubbed useful ones. The same is true with your spiritual walk. Try it.

When I did this little exercise and prayed for the Lord show me any attitudes and ideas need to be replaced, repaired, or retired the list was long and challenging. What better time to get life in order than the season of new and fresh growth?  If you choose to do this exercise, when you finish you can share what God accomplished through your spring cleaning and urge them to do the same.

I have been so blessed with my short time at Take Root and Write, but, the very reason/purpose of this column, being helpful and a 'cool grandma', has presented itself in my own life. My daughter is in the last leg of a high-risk pregnancy and I will be heading to California to help out and, hopefully, not get in the way too much. She has four other boys so I will, I'm pretty sure, not be running to the computer too often, so I will no longer be posting to this site. Just wanted to say good-bye for now sisters, and you will be still in my prayers.