Cleaning Windows

Today I cleaned the windows in the front of our flat. The sun was shining in gloriously, which made the buildup of grime from winter even more obvious.

With 11 foot ceilings, I definitely needed to get out the step ladder. I usually have two rags in hand. A "dirty" rag that catches the layer of dust and dirt on the first wipe. As I made my way down the glass pane, the blackened rag made me wonder how we look out these windows every day and don't notice the grime. The second rag, my "clean" one, finishes off the task with several wipes, until the windows shimmer in the sunlight.

When I was completely done with the windows, inside and out, I stood back to make sure I had hit all the spots. I couldn't believe the difference.

All winter we've been pulling up the outside wooden shades, letting the daylight flood our study room. We had grown accustomed to the dust and the winter "dirt" that comes with the elements. It wasn't until I cleaned them that I realized how bad they were. The whole room seemed to come alive with the new, clean look of just-washed windows.

I thought of how our souls need a good spring cleaning from time to time. God's light reveals the soiled places of our hearts, yet he stretches out his heart of love, wiping the soil and grime away with his forgiveness and mercy. His warmth begins to thaw out the weariness of a winter season when the heart, perhaps, has grown dull and listless.  His generous grace is applied with joy and delight, renewing the spirit. The soul is reborn once again.

In this season of Lent I am ever mindful of my need for spring cleaning, and grateful for a heavenly Father who cleans with two rags.