Cobwebs! Ewww!

As long as I have been alive I have had a huge desire to put as much distance between me and spiders as possible. Long ago I learned that one of the best ways to do that is to keep things as neat, tidy and free of clutter as possible. Not to mention dusting and making sure there are no cobwebs lurking.

As I was puttering about the homestead the past weeks, giving more attention than I had for a little while, I found just little hints here and there of my lack of focus. As I cleaned and dusted and threw things away, I was spurred onward to give more care to the little details of keeping things in good shape around here. I had sort of gotten into a complacent routine, which I am sure most of us do from time to time. I was ever so glad to be snapping out of it. Though, I will admit the renewed discipline pinched a bit at first!

On a parallel track, during this same period, little parts of me that I am not so fond of, and in some regards was not even aware of, have been showing up. The nerve! :) Things that needed dusting and removal! It has been humbling and frustrating (as cleaning can be). However, I am also grateful for the grace that allows me to see myself in the light of day just a bit at a time (not too much all at once). Then that same grace helps me to submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit for a better way to live in these certain areas. For me, if there was a common theme in the cobwebs of my heart and mind, I would have to say the above mentioned "complacent routine". Life is never really meant to be "routine". It's much too marvelous an opportunity, every day. Or at least, it's meant to be. That doesn't mean a lack of structure. But, it does mean living with an alert and sensitive spirit. Looking for the opportunities to do a little something extraordianry. Sometimes it is as simple as making the breakfast that takes a little more time, for no reason except to make sure the person(s) you are preparing for, have the wonderful experience of a better start than they expected to their day. Who knows what that could lead to for the rest of the day?

"But when anything is exposed and reproved by the light, it is made visible and clear; and where everything is visible and clear there is light. Therefore He says, Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine (make day dawn) upon you and give you light. Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:13-16