Coffins in My Window
The inevitable spring cleaning hit me today. However, because I didn't know I could remove my windows from the opening, this spring cleaning was 15 years overdue. Gross!
It took some maneuvering to figure out how they fit in perfectly, and how to hold them so I didn't drop them, but I managed. Once I removed them all, I noticed that some of them had mud caked in the grooves on top.
I knew it had something to do with bugs, so I called my 12 year old to help me identify them. After a bit of examining, we agreed that they were very old larva cocoons. EEEEWWWW!
"Great! I have coffins in my windows." I said while shaking the heebie jeebies off.
My son ran off to play and I continued the horrible task of cleaning my windows.
As I did, I wondered how many other things were lurking in my home. *shudders*
This got me thinking about sins and obstacles in our walk with Jesus.
What are we unintentionally housing in our hearts?
What dead things need to be scraped away?
What about books we've read in the past that opened up a door?
What relationship do we need to let go of finally to breathe?
What other cobwebs or "coffins" can you excavate from your mind or heart?
It's time for a different kind of spring cleaning.
I've been reading Ephesians 4:29-32 a lot, which says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
When you're groaning (hopefully not because we're commanded not to) over the cleaning, whatever it may be, let it be a reminder to wash your heart out too. Let your mind be drawn to the Father, Who will lovingly cleanse anything that doesn't belong.
Believe me, I do not want coffins in my window, or my heart.
Thanks for the thoughtful article, Tammany. It is a good reminder of the need for taking inventory frequently, yet not by a 'rules' mentality but so that we can have a more pure and beautiful enjoyment of walking with the Lord Jesus.