Spring Cleaning

Spring Cleaning

I scrub my hands with purest soap, then join hands with the others in the great circle, dancing around your altar, GOD, Singing God-songs at the top of my lungs, telling God-stories. GOD, I love living with you; your house glows with your glory. When it’s time for spring cleaning, don’t sweep me out with the quacks and crooks.

Psalm 26:7-10 (THE MESSAGE)

I remember as a child watching my grandmother open all the windows and doors and clean every inch of her house in the spring. Her house had been sealed up tight for the winter, and now a breath of freshness filled the rooms. For the Amish, spring cleaning is a way to have fun while tackling a big job.

“In the Amish society cooperative work provides opportunity for socialization,” blogger Loretta Coblentz writes.

When we moved back to Ohio, my Amish sister-in-laws invited me to “Ladies Day.” In other circles, this might be tea and crumpets. When I asked about Ladies Day, I learned it was a day that all of the sister-in-laws go to one of the sisters’ house[s] and wash her windows, walls, floors, and whatever deep cleaning might be found to do. Each lady takes a dish of food. A lot of fun and fellowship is had while getting a big job done. Recreation and socialization combine in such a way that it doesn’t seem like work.

When we join with others to clean or build or cook, or even to come before God, we gain new energy. Worship explodes when we hear those around us worshiping. Chores seem less like work and more like play with others beside us. But allowing others into these activities brings us to a place of transparency. We humble ourselves before others as we join them in praise. We have to admit the windows, walls, and floors need a good scrubbing. When we join with others, we can no longer hide. We also consider what things in us God wants us to clean up.

Is there something in your heart that needs a good scrubbing? Submit yourself to God, and trust Him to get the big job done. Invite others to do the same.

Dear heavenly Father, clean me out. I desire to worship in Your presence, and I don’t want any hindrance. Open up my heart and my life to others and to You.