Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Dear God,

The mystical season of Advent pricks deeply at my soul. It is time to clean up, to clean out, to unclutter, to throw away. I know it when I start cleaning up around me.

As I walk around the church, I wonder how clean it is. Is it ready to meet God on Christmas day? Are we clean? Or do we need some sprucing up? Do we need to clean up and throw away those things we don't need, don't use or keep us from being what we need to become? Why do we saved torn things? Why do we hold on to junk? Why do we keep things we will never use again?

I tore up a room today, just pulled things out, revealing what was hidden. That's when I grabbed the trash bags. Not going to keep ripped things for God. Not going to keep trash accumulating. Not going to let dust linger. Not going to reuse trash. It's time to let go. Or at least that's what I did. Worked for hours. I can now see what's in the closet. I can get around things. Whatever goes on the table will be a tribute to God. Nothing torn, ripped, soiled or stained. It's gone. I'm getting new just for the love of God.

May I clean up
for you, Lord?
May I make
your surroundings
bright and beautiful?
May I
let go
of undesirable things
in order
to provide
something new?
May I
delight you
with my care?
May I
give you joy
in your house?

Love, Andrea