Clutterings and Clearings.

Since the children went back to school on Monday, even tho' we I had one off on Tuesday with a bad foot, I seem to have spent an awful lot of time tidying up. It's not my favourite activity. I would rather be lying on the sofa drinking coffee and eating cream cakes than tidying in fact I would rather do anything but tidying but needs must.Will we have to do housework in Heaven? We are promised a mansion and as I struggle with a 4 bedroomed house I am slightly troubled by this. However, I digress.

I am often left wondering why there are three Barbies in the fruit bowl, why there are four naked dolls on the dining room table and why on earth there are two colouring books, various felt-tipped pens,most of which don't work, and several pots of glitter(my own personal most loathed thing) on the bathroom floor. Arrgh....!
Oh, the temptation to get a big black bin bag and chuck the whole lot away.

I should also go through the children's clothes and sort out all the things that don't fit them any more and take them to the charity shop.

Tomorrow is dustbin day and all the rubbish I have got rid of will be gone forever and it's a good feeling. I'm sure if I lived alone I would be a minimalist with clean and tidy surfaces, a spotless house and I would probably wear ironed clothes and therefore look like a neater and tidier person..and then again....

I've been doing a bit of reading about tidying up and clearing out and sorting through. Paul, in his letter to the Colossians says we are to take off things that are not Christ-like. In fact he actually says "Put to death,therefore whatever is earthly."
Wow, they are really strong words. Paul is saying if there is an attitude or thought or action in our lives that does not reflect Jesus be done with it, have nothing to do with, get rid of it ,put it to death.

And after encouraging us to put off and get rid of he tells us to "Put on." He gives a list of things Jesus-like qualities that should be the hallmark of our lives as Christians....compassion, humility , kindness and above all love.

This seems like a tall order to me. I can't keep my house straight never mind my attitudes! And yet....Paul writes elsewhere "Put on Christ." When are hearts are set on Him, He changes us to make us more like Him.It is such a long, slow gradual process and our job is to stay focused and committed and He will help us through the power of His Holy Spirit. And that has to be good news because when He changes us, we show His love to others and reflect His glory.

Doesn't answer the question of why there is a whoopie cushion in our bed. Mind you, a son of 10 will know the answer to that one!!!!

Take care,

Rachel.