Clean Up Time

A New Year and it’s clean up time.

After two days of taking down Christmas decorations and returning them to their place, I needed a reward. Maybe a day off would be nice--considering I had already vacuumed the floor, dusted and sanitized all surfaces—even straightened a few cabinets. I'd also turned in my fourth Sarah book to Prism Book Group, my publisher.  Sarah and the Internet Dating Service will soon be available.  All these accomplishment made me feel fantastic.

Oh wait!

I’d cleaned up the Christmas chaos, and turned in my Sarah book, but my office remained a shambles.  As I now sit at my desk, I see debris—mail piled up, magazines needing attention, a mound of books waiting to be sorted.  And how about the odds and ends of information I need to keep, but have no clue as to where to file it so I will remember where it is?

So much for my day away.  Back to work.

I can’t escape it.  My daily life demands constant attention.

The task will never be finished. And that's a wonderful thing.  If I'm finished, I'm in heaven--an experience to anticipate, but I like it down here. 

As I drank my first cup of coffee this morning, I read my Bible and prayed.  Okay, started the day with a clean mind.  That’s good, but I’m sure my mentality will require additional work as the afternoon and night approach.  I’ll need to pause along the way as the hours go by to brush away the ugliness that can creep into my thoughts.

I showered and dressed.  That’s a cleaning I look forward to each sunrise.  Start the day with a clean mind and body—good motto, right?

Okay—I’m doing well at the moment—except for the office area.

Sigh.

I’m going to do better this year with organization, and that means a re-dedication to good work habits.

Staying on top of life requires constant effort.  Some area constantly demands attention.

A lady phoned a few minutes ago with a voice filled with excitement.  With the New Year dawning, she and her husband made the decision to remove alcohol from their home and find a church to attend.  They begin each day with prayer and Bible study. Clean up time for them is underway. With tears, she described how happy she was to sweep away the obstacles keeping them from a healthy life.

What project have you decided to clean this year?  Diet?  Exercise? Dedication to God? Clean home? Positive attitude? Fresh work place?  Stay challenged to keep up the good fight.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  Isaiah 40:31.

I can do it!

So can you!