Forget Spring Cleaning

I used to watch a show on TV about homes that were completely full of material “stuff”. The front door would open and you could barely walk in. You could hardly see if the lights were turned on or if sunlight was shining through the windows because endless items were piled high. This series was like many other successful shows that help homeowners de-clutter, removing anything they don’t need or want from their home, and millions of people watched. The outcome or end result leaves society thinking that the less clutter we have in our homes, the more organization we have, and the ability to say no to unnecessary “stuff,” leads to contentment and happiness. Or, on the other hand, the more we have filling our homes will bring us true joy.

As spring approaches and warmer weather creeps in, many of us begin the traditional act of “spring cleaning.” We focus on a clean house, organization, and removing unneeded items. You hear tips and tricks on the news for the best ways to have a sparkling spring-ready home. It may even be a topic of discussion with your friends on how they are cleaning this spring. Heck, there is an entire episode of “Happy Helpers” where Minnie Mouse & Daisy spring clean!

As a mom of three little girls, I feel like I am always cleaning. So, when spring comes around every year, I have grown to dislike the idea of having to organize, scrub, pick-up, even more than I already do. Nevertheless, I find myself scrubbing baseboards, washing curtains, organizing closets, etc. etc. It is so time consuming. Not to mention its hard labor! The hours I spend cleaning my house usually disappear within minutes with messy toddlers running around. Still, every year, I feel the need to spend the time and energy "deep" cleaning.

The beauty of spring, even without the house cleaning, is that it brings about a sense of a fresh start. The snow melts, flowers start to bloom and the grass grows. Green returns to the trees, and chirping birds fill the sky. As spring begins this year, as I clean the house, I have decided that there is more that needs to be done, and I am not referring to my chore list.

Since August 2020, my family has suffered the unimaginable. I have not shared much about the aftermath of childhood cancer. My girls all struggle with the trauma that we endured. I struggle from the trauma that we endured.

As a parent, I have had to come to terms with the possibility of out living my child. She has been through the unfathomable, and I have sat and watched. I have held her down as she screams for another poke. I have cupped my hands to catch her vomit. I have comforted my other children who have to be away from their sister. I have spent sleepless nights researching. I have questioned doctors, and begged for answers. I have re-inserted feeding tubes, given chemotherapy at home while she cries, and I have rushed her to the hospital not knowing if she will ever return home. I have watched her lifeless body not breathe on its own for days that felt like years.

Trauma, fear, anxiety, doubt, insecurities, and grief have left my mind like those cluttered homes found on TV. So, as spring approaches, I am choosing to put less of an importance on washing walls, organizing closets and focusing more on clearing my mind. Lately, I have spent a lot of time thinking: "What would happen if I did some spring cleaning in my brain?"

The first step, and most important, is to look to Jesus. The Bible teaches us how to direct our thoughts above. Making a decision to direct our mind to Jesus in moments of doubt can change everything.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Philippians 4:8

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

Then, look to Jesus again, remembering He will never leave you. Yes, there will be moments that it feels like He has, and in those moments cling to His promise. One of my favorite Bible verses reminds us of just that.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Third, read the Bible, and memorize the Bible. Growing up in Sunday School, we did this all the time. I never realized the significance until chaos filled our lives and the verses I had memorized as a child came to my mind repeatedly in the scary moments. So now, as an adult, I am simplifying back to those ways, learning and repeating God’s truth, to get me through this tough life.

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Romans 15:4

Last, and not to be forgotten, show yourself grace. Life is hard. The Bible teaches us about God’s grace, but we rarely show it to ourselves. Our lives do not have to be perfect to be loved and cared for by a perfect God.

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-11

Whether you struggle from past trauma, anxiety, fear, intrusive thoughts, doubt, negative self-esteem, sadness, hopelessness etc. Don’t allow your mind to become like those untidy homes on the popular TV shows. And, while I don’t recommend skipping Clorox altogether, this year let us refocus.

I hope you will join me in clearing our minds to become new. It might seem like your winter is going to last forever (especially here in Western, Pa), but luckily no winter lasts forever, spring is coming. Turn to Jesus, remember He will never leave, memorize His words, and be kind to yourself. As the seasons change, it is time for your fresh start too.