A messy basement, cluttered closets with clothes that no longer fit, cupboards that need to be organized, and a kitchen counter full of paperwork that needs attention–these are some of the scenes that are currently taking place at our house. I believe it’s about time for some thorough, springtime house cleaning!

We have taken a three week “break” from our traveling schedule. It has been wonderful to abandon our motorhome for a while and enjoy the comforts (and more than double the living space) of being at home again. After we were settled in, I became starkly aware of all the little corners that have been neglected and are needing my assistance. I can hardly wait to dig into some of these closets and drawers and get rid of all the clutter that somehow seems to also clutter my mind. Nevertheless, my eagerness does NOT include the basement. For some reason, I seem to hear it calling my husband’s name instead of mine!  =) It is rather unappealing to me is because it has been neglected for a long time. Rather than periodically organizing and cleaning it, we have allowed it to become a junk collector’s paradise.

My goal is to de-clutter and simplify our home of things that are no longer being used. When we have less clutter in our homes, we are more free to serve the Lord. Every item we posses robs us of the time it takes to maintain it or keep it clean. I enjoy beautiful things and desire for our home to be warm and inviting, but clutter isn’t necessary. It can deprive us from freely serving the Lord because we are distracted by other things that are needing our attention.

My enthusiasm for UN-cluttering made me think about my spiritual life. My life, just like my house, may seem neat and orderly to casual observers. However, my husband, daughters, and those closest to me, know there are some messy places that still need attention. There are still things in my closet that needs to be discarded. I have the tendency to hang on to some of these “items” of UN-forgiveness, pride, self-pity, fear, etc., just in case I may want them in the future. This clutter is a hinderance to the freedom that God wants me to have. He wants me to invite Him into these hidden closets rather than slamming the doors shut. God is waiting to assist me with getting rid of the useless junk that I have accumulated in the dark and dingy “basement” of my life.

A few years ago, I started something that has really helped me take a closer look at some of the debris that threatens to enter my life. It has helped me take inventory of some of the mess before it becomes a “basement” condition. Every morning during my devotional time, I have a number of index cards that have become part of my prayer and focus for the day. These cards contain reminders of my current struggles and personal goals. The first step to UN-cluttering your spiritual life is recognizing your greatest area of weakness and being proactive about it. Some of my current cards contain these words:

~ “Life and death are in the power of MY tongue…which one am I speaking to my family and those around me today?” 

~ “God is COMMANDING me to pursue: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and gentleness.” 

~ “When I become fearful or try to control ANYTHING in my life, it hinders the oneness that I deeply long for in our marriage.”

~ “I am a perfectionist and a detriment to my family if I find it difficult to praise them.”

~ “If I don’t have PERFECT PEACE today, it is because my mind is not staying on God and I’m not trusting in Him.” 

What about you? Do you have some messy areas in your life that you have been avoiding for too long? I encourage you to look closely at the dingy “basements” and messy “closets” in your life. Dig into these areas wholeheartedly, and allow God to cleanse and set you free from all the clutter. Now is the time to clench your teeth and start cleaning!

~Cindy (For The Mullett Family)