Cleansing And Clothespins

Cleansing and Clothespins

Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.

Hebrews 10:22

Grabbing the plastic coffee container filled with food scraps from its hiding place under the sink, I headed to the backyard to empty it into the compost bin. As I went through the utility room, I set the compost can atop the dryer and stopped to add fabric softener to the washing machine.

Then, grabbing my red container, I went out the back door and headed across the yard. I yanked open the lid of the compost bin. Its depths teemed with little creatures scurrying to and fro through the debris. I popped off the container’s black lid and without a second glance dumped its contents inside.

Clothespins rained down on the decaying vegetable matter and squirming insects. I recoiled in disgust, then leaned forward to get a closer look. I had grabbed the wrong container! I needed those clothespins.

Careful not to touch the slimy mess, I retrieved every wooden pin. I hosed them off, then doused them with bleach water to disinfect them. After spreading them on an old towel to dry, I retrieved my compost container and carried it to the compost bin. This time I looked twice before I emptied it.

God cares for people immeasurably more than I care about my clothespins. He rescues us from the filth and decay of sin and cleanses us of all unrighteousness when we turn to him. And he does it over and over again, demonstrating his unbounded love.

—Mary A. Hake

Dear Lord, thank you for forgiving me and cleansing me from sin. Help me to live a life pleasing to you and to be strong when faced with temptations to sin. I want to remain clean and pure for your glory. Amen.