Cleaning House

It’s hard to remember all the diversions. I know it had something to do with three major weeks converging at once, several volunteer banquets added for good measure, and hosting a party at our house – something that is only said together sparingly.

Unfortunately in our marriage, I’m the Oscar Madison character and cleanliness is dimming the lights and filling boxes with papers from my desk, that will one day be revealed, why they were important enough to print out. It took strategy to pace the schedule; dusting too soon would result in the need for a second dusting, mopping too late would result in slipping guests. I also realized I could clean the surface, but as soon as someone opened the refrigerator my façade would be broken. So out came the drawers in the refrigerator (who knew they were so easy to clean?). Down came the outdated phone books and wrinkled wrapping paper from the hall closet. Off came the clutter of unattended mail and catalogs. I’m starting to like the place! I actually do like clean, open lines and spaces but seem to have missing synapses on how to keep it that way. Hosting a gathering once or twice a year certainly does help provide the connection for a little while.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, You know us through and through. You know our limits and our faults, but you also know our abilities and our talents. Please nurture our capacity to fulfill our potential and diminish our flawed actions and choices. Help us make more than surface statements of remorse and transformation, and allow the deep confession of our souls come before you and others. You keep the relationship open and available; we are the ones who complicate the bond. Let our lives be free of the clutter that detracts our focus on righteousness. Amen.