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Writer's pictureJill Jarrell Newsome

Cleaning Out And Cleaning Up

Last weekend I did a thing I will never do again. A friend's daughter was having a yard sale and I needed to clean out so I joined her. Next time - one stop - donate and be done! But the cleaning out feels good. I needed to make some decisions. Some things have an emotional attachment. I decided to give some of those things to people who would truly appreciate the item. The hardest part was deciding between things I wanted and things I needed.


As a Mom who loved her grandmothers so much it is hard for me to get rid of some things that were theirs. I cannot keep everything. Young people do not want fine china and things that were important to earlier generations. For things like that I decided, like my mom, I will start using it. My fine china can be my everyday china - get rid of the every day. Life is too short not to enjoy! Matthew 6: 19, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”


During this time I believe God was wanting me to get rid of other clutter in my life. Things that take up too much time, require too much energy and are not needed. I am reminded that it is time to tidy up my own life and clear out the junk. It was time to make more room for God!

Psalm 51: 10, 12, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” He quickly shows us what we want and need and it does not include clutter and it feels so good to get back to the basics.


Just like when I neglect cleaning out closets, drawers, pantries, etc, the worse it gets. The more work I will have to do when I finally get around to it. The same is true with my mind. There are things that need to be trashed. Like the clutter in my mind, I need to look at all aspects of my life: marriage, family, work, relationships, etc.


Just like when I neglect cleaning out closets, drawers, pantries, etc, the worse it gets. The more work I will have to do when I finally get around to it. The same is true with my mind. There are some things that need to be trashed! When I clean out the clutter in my mind, I need to look at all aspects of my life: marriage, family, work, relationships, etc. This is more important than our clean house! This affects everything.


It would be a lot easier if I come before God daily in repentance knowing, believing and trusting that He's already cleaning up my clutter. By grace, He washes us clean. Through our faith in Jesus, He sees us clean and forgiven.

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