In the Dry Seasons of Life: Cleaning Closets!

Hey there, Eric!

This may not have been you intention, but your newsletter this week reminded me of cleaning closets! I think that is a good thing...

Since setting out on our own, my little family and I have moved about three times. First to an apartment in Lathrop, Missouri, then to a desperation house (we were desperate for a house and settled for what we could find quickly) near here, and then to the house we now live in. Each move was burdened by a number of boxes that I have intended to look through for quite some time. Each move they were stored in a closet, and to my astonishment they multiplied! I don't think boxes should be left unsupervised in dark closets!

Anyway, the past few weeks, the kids and I have been sorting through each and every box and either taking things to the thrift store or throwing them away. Yesterday we finished. Our closets are neat and organized. The rest of the house is in a shambles, but the closets are done.

Now it is time to tidy the house again, but this time, the cleaning will be authentic. You see, there will be nothing to hide in the closets, nothing to pile in dark corners, nothing to carry on with us when it is time to move again. Everything in my house is wanted by someone, except for all the extra cats. Someone will want them soon, I'm sure. There are no outgrown clothes, no wadded up old projects,...it is freeing!

Sometimes, my Christian walk is like this. It is a sweaty labor to haul boxes and tedious to sort them. It is painful to believe even during the dry, empty-feeling times. It does not feel creative at all. My children would moan when I would announce it was time to continue cleaning closets. My spirit moans when I have to face my own realities. It took effort to haul things out of the house forever. It is hard to let go of the things I want in order to serve God. We cleaned our closets, I am so glad we did. I may not realize the fruits of my soul searching, but it has value beyond my current understanding in Heaven.

Today, we are going to clean our house. Someone will run the sweeper, mop floors, spot clean the carpets. We will share the tasks. We will dust and tidy up the kitchen. Someone will have the thankless task of scrubbing the bathroom. Even though the closets are clean, there is still work to be done. There will always be work to be done.

I know that despite my best resolve, the closets may get cluttered again. Spiritually, I may carry baggage, I may pass through a thousand more dark sad days. My nights may always be lonely. I don't know. I will keep the broom handy.

In fellowship,
Kathy

• Re (1): In the Dry Seasons of Life: Cleaning Closets! - By Eric July 31, 2002 at 10:33:59 AM
  • Re (2): In the Dry Seasons of Life: Cleaning Closets! - By Ed August 3, 2002 at 01:31:03 PM