Cleaning House

If there was ever a theme for this point in my life, it would have to be cleaning.

This entire week, all I've done is clean. I've cleaned out my closet, my bureau, vacuumed, washed clothes, and turned the dishwasher on more times than I can count. And it seems, perhaps, that while I've cleaned the "physical" parts of my home, I've also cleaned the "spiritual" parts as well.

Let me give you an example. While I've been in the "cleaning" mode this past week, I've come across several small snippets of a life once past. Just like we may grow out of jeans or a pair of shoes, I've noticed that I've "grown" out of certain things in my life; that is, to say, I've been holding on to "things" for far too long in hopes that they would change. Old papers and notes from points in my life that at the time seemed of vital importance, do not hold the same value as I once thought they had. And finally, I feel okay with letting go: with cleaning out the windows of my soul. Too long, I've been dusting out the cupboards only to place my junk back inside. Here, they rot and grow into all kinds of twisted shapes that they are unrecognizable. Yet, I continue to house them and provide for my junk; ultimately unwilling to completely let go.

That is, until this week.

Memories (both hurtful and helpful) have finally been released from the fingertips of my hands. It feels so good to have experienced ultimate release, to have let go. - honestly, I feel healthier and happier than I have ever felt before. Deciding to clean with the goal of letting go is not easy. It takes some hard work, lots of perseverance, and commitment. In some ways, it may appear to bystanders that you are closing the door on your memories. But to your soul, you are truly making way for better things to come. And for real, who can expect to place a fresh bouquet of flowers in a vase when an old, dried out one is barely hanging on inside? The neat thing about cleaning, is that it's never done. Yes, it is true that in order to change, we must first exchange the hurting for something better. But it's in that heartache, pain, and mess, that a beautiful flower arrangement is made.

Happy Cleaning!