By Brenda Black
Spring – what a temptress you are!
Longer days, sweeter songs from the birds, a variegated yard of green
and budding trees beckon me outdoors. Something innately wants to
crawl out from under the trapped-inside seasonal routines and escape
to a clean, green spring! I'm worse than a sixth grader itching to
hear the 3 p.m. bell and bolt for the fishing hole. I still daydream
about skipping a college class and slipping out for a little sunshine
behind the dorm room. Then I look at the work list and bite my lip
and dig in. When the tunnel is complete, I'll make my great escape. I
just hope spring hasn't sprung by the time I am free.
First I have to deal with the cobwebs,
clutter and chaos -- three enemies to my lovely spring. Hidden in
corners up high and down low, they go unnoticed during wintry,
shadowed days. Then a splash of sunlight makes an airy cobweb float
and dance conspicuously. How on earth did I not see that! I
scold
internally. I was probably buried under the clutter! You know of
which I speak -- those piles you never quite sort or the drop and run
heap in a handy chair. There are the magazines and month-old papers
molding a mountain near the recliner where you've nested under
granny's afghan night after long winter night. Finally, although the
season of shut-in is coming to an end, there seems to be no finality
to the chaos that crowds our brains year round. The telephone and
computer and the constant urge to be tapped into everything has my
head spinning.
Spring
is the permission for sweet release! Onward and outward to fresh air,
fruitful living and freedom! As you embark on your great escape
that's good for the mind and body, don't forget to clear the cobwebs,
clutter and chaos in your soul.
Some
overlooked cobwebs may need to come to light. “He [God] reveals
deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light
dwells with him.” (Daniel 2:22)
Next,
clear out some of the clutter over which you are stumbling. “Jesus
answered, 'Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by
day will not stumble, for he sees by this worlds' light. It is when
he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light.'” (John
11:9-10) Shed some God light and start living right! Otherwise, Satan
is going to messy up your life. “Jesus turned and said to Peter,
'Out of my sight, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not
have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.'” (Matthew
16:23)
If
we can't de-clutter our own lives by seeking the clear way with God,
we become clutter to others. And there's a high price to pay for
being so careless. “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one
another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or
obstacle in your brother's way.” (Romans 14:13) Grace from God,
grace for yourself and grace for others certainly cleans out a lot of
unnecessary clutter!
The
cobwebs are cleared. The clutter is under control. Now be still. Step
away from everything man-made and breathe in something far more
magnificent – the sights and sounds and smells of spring! Go
ahead. Do it right now. When you come back inside, you are sure to
feel better.
Fresh
air from an open window and the fresh breath of God washing over you
are designed to renew. Spacious, sunny skies and rolling green
meadows are a healthy contrast to cluttered desks and chaotic lives.
Sometimes we just need to walk away and get alone where it's quiet.
Down time produces up turned attitudes. We were not created from
cobwebs, out of clutter or for chaos. We were designed for
fellowship.
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