Sweep Away the Trash

Follow Jesus Whole-Heartedly

“It is NOT well with my soul” I stated angrily while walking outside.  The trees were spring green and wet from rainstorms, but the sun was shining, and the birds chirped and sang to each other.

Bitterness and resentment burned hot in my heart. I couldn’t enjoy the beautiful scenery of spring blooming. People, if they were walking by, would think that I had lost it, cracked under pressure.

I was speaking my ire, talking to God out loud…..Sharing my hurt and pain.

My mood was softened by God’s great creations outdoors.  I felt guilt over my words and suffering.  What I was dealing with in the moment was not as great as the writer of the song “It is Well with my Soul” or others going through deep loss.  I became thankful for the beauty of the day (finally, no rain) and the lovely sounds outside in nature and of my children.  I began to pray for my family and for the children I work with who have experienced deep trauma and life-changing sad experiences.  I prayed for their healing physically and emotionally. 

Then I saw the ugly trash on the sides of the road among the trees and blooming buttercups.  The trash reminded me of my ugly heart and soul…just dirty. 

The trash represented what had been done to me on the inside…..careless words, not just from in the present but from the past as well. Scars left by angry parents yelling at one another, or unjust punishments or discrimination or mean-heartedness in the world, sins.  Why do humans do these things to each other or themselves?  Why do Christians? We should love and cherish and be kind.

I began to worry that the trash would pass down and errantly enter my kids’ souls. “Save them all from the pain and unhappiness, let you joy rein.” I saw a full brook just then, full of water, and I thought, “never to thirst again.” I was reassured.

I am thankful for the communities in my children’s lives and their trust and love for God, their spirituality.  God is so good.  I am so thankful.

How do I get rid of the trash? I was mindful of the armor of God which protects us from the arrows people shoot or that we shoot at ourselves in our suffering and self-misery.  Deny myself and follow God.

My pastor’s words today echoed in my mind, and I was reminded of the story of Peter denying Jesus three times before the rooster crowed twice “What will awaken my soul to turn from mediocrity?” Do I follow Him with my whole heart trusting Him and denying myself?

Let me be an effective witness, faithful in my prayer life, disciplined by growing in Him and sharing His love with others.  Sweep away the trash of life and anything else that would clutter my soul and keep me from Him.