The Shadow Of My Porch Swing - The Presence Of God - Part 2Sample

A CASE OF THE GROSSIES

My van is lived in, seriously. At any given moment you could probably find a full set of clothes and enough food scraps to last you a day or two. It’s not that we spend a ton of time in the van, it’s more that my boys are lazy and don’t take out what they daily put in. 

Today, as I was ritualistically deep cleaning in preparation for a trip,  I discarded an entire trash can of grossness while saving a laundry basket full of items needing to go back inside. Good news, I found the (renewed-5 times-to avoid a fine) library book. Bad news, I became even more aware that one child has a hoarding problem. If ever in a bind, he could stuff a shirt with saved used tissues and have a really nice pillow.

While cringing (and gagging) at the state of his little domain, I became acutely aware that my life is often in the same shape. A lot of junk brought or let into my heart that I refuse to deal with or take back out. Just shove it under the seat, it will eventually disintegrate, right? May I be willing to dive in, clean out the grossness and breathe deep knowing I can start my next journey clean, without taking along the trash from the last one. 

What have you been holding on to that needs to go in the trash? 

Father, give me the desire to expose my heart to your light.  Show me what needs to be cleaned up so that I can be renewed with your truth.