Moments ago this former procrastinator stepped outside to watch the repaving of our street. One machine moved steadily along chewing up the old asphalt. It spewed the mangled bits into a dump truck moving along with it. The truck carried that load away and another truck took its place. Later today new asphalt will be poured for a new road.
The street paving illustrates several things that have been speaking to me for some weeks. I love it when God does that! Our church’s theme for the year is simplicity. Sermons remind us to get rid of the meaningless to make room for the meaningful. Our ladies Bible study is on generosity of spirit – radical giving in every area of life. Our small group is studying the workbook Margin; we consider what to keep and what to let go of so we live with room to spare, available to God and people. I recently read a book on tidying- cleaning out so thoroughly that I am free to better engage in and enjoy life. I hear you, Lord!
This morning certain words stood out from Psalm 4. “How long will you love worthlessness and seek falsehood?…the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly‚Ķ Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.”
Because I love God and people, I need to get rid of some meaningless things around here (attitudes, possessions, activities) so I will be available to love more effectively.
Last year’s workroom cleanout project came to a halt because Someone Dear to Me needed the space for another project. That’s ongoing; still, I can reach the bookshelves and have tackled them again in a far more thorough manner. Last week I cleared out over 100 books! They were hauled off where they will serve better. Now I have available shelf space. I also have a clear idea of the books I own and have set them up for handy use. If I have them, I want to use them.
I still have materials I’m hanging onto for reworking the workroom. Until I’m done, I’ll continue to shift boxes from bedroom to workroom as guests come and go. Boy, do I look forward to being done! No more shifting of stuff.
Would you sisters, please pray I will be faithful to clean out the next item – papers? I have so many unused ones filed away. I did toss a foot high stack of “to read” articles I had saved – some for several years! I need accountability.
My year’s theme is “The Path of my Feet.” I’m tired of stumbling over stuff that keeps me from being available to love God and others. I can “sacrifice” things I’ve overvalued and trust God to provide. Let the dump trucks carry that stuff away and leave me with a clear new road!
What clean out might open up your heart and time?
Love it Beth! God is speaking through you and hitting the nail right on the head. I am going through tons (literally) of paperwork I have boxed up and forgotten for years. It is hard work but patience and perseverance are helping make head way. Thanks for the pep talk!
Susan, hellooo! Excellent work! Be not weary in well doing! Now you know why you hadn’t heard more on the workroom. You are right – patience and perseverance.