We are quickly approaching the end of the year, and it is about that time. December 31st is rapidly heading our way, and that time is upon us. Time for what Sister Jackie? Well my friend, it is time to take out the trash.
Ever since I was a little girl, one of our family traditions was to clean the house from top to bottom before the New Year arrived. The New Year could not find dirty laundry in our home, old linen on the bed, and an unkempt place. My mother instilled in us that at the stroke of midnight on December 31st, the house had to be tidy, clean and spotless.
Not surprisingly, that tradition has continued. I now equate cleaning of my physical house with the cleaning of my spiritual house. It is time to make amends in my heart with those who have wronged me, it is time to assess my condition and to let go of bitterness and strife and to enter the new year with renewed joy, peace, hope and great expectation.
This past year has been difficult for so many of us with the loss of loved ones, the loss of jobs and the inability to partake in our normal activities. This New Year’s Eve will again be a time of reflection. If there is anything that I need to dispose of, Lord God, help me to let it go. As I clean my home and get ready for the incoming year, I also want to clean my heart and make sure that I am not carrying grudges or bitterness towards anyone—including my husband. Hey, I see him more than anyone else. I have to make sure that we are really good, for real, for real. Lol.
It is time to safeguard my heart from the issues of life and to remember that God looks beyond all of my faults and I must learn to do so for everyone else, including my own self. It is okay to forgive ME when I mess up or falter. So, that day will soon be here friends, the day when I finally find the time to take out my trash.
Momma would be so proud.
Just the way that I like it: clean and spotless.
Happy New Year! Hope you find time to take out your trash. Wonderful feeling.
