Saturday, June 23, 2007

Dear God,

I like a clean house. And I like to come home to a clean house following vacation. I work hard before I leave so it will be pleasant when I return home.

I cleaned today, the house, the screened in porch, the patio, my desk. I cleaned up some papers and packed what I couldn't clean up. I fell into bed, worked on my sermon and prayed somehow you would "clean" up my life.

Cleaning up is not about perfection. I'm not aiming at that. I did that for decades and I was always disappointed. I could never achieve what I hoped for.

I want you to sweep away all the cobwebs, clean out the messy rooms, do a spring cleaning in my soul. I want you to open the windows to my heart, let the light in. I want you to wash me clean in living waters. I want to sparkle and be bright. A clean vessel will allow me to make a better witness in the world.

There always seems to be the same smudge in me, a virtually impossible place to clean up. A snag in the soul. You can clean that room several times a day but I have a way of cluttering it up again.

I would love to sit down with the psalmist, to listen to his poetry, to understand his arguments with you. I would rally to his side when he says, "Search me and find any wicked way in me. Cleanse me." Lead me into eternity, Lord, by cleaning me from top to bottom. Let nothing stand between us.

Your cleansing power
opens me to new areas
of joy,
dear God.
A moment in trust
draws me closer
until I can see my way.
The cleaner I am,
the greater my ability
to trust,
to follow,
to hear.
Keep me ever near,
Most Gracious God,
a clean heart
always prepared for you.

Love always, Andrea