“A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out. In faithfulness He will bring forth justice.” (Isaiah 42:3)
Got clutter? Maybe you have an “everything drawer” where a variety of things land. Scotch tape. A screw driver. Lipstick. A puzzle piece. Several unidentifiable key. . .
I’m here to admit I’ve accumulated tons of clutter. My corners, drawers, and closets overfloweth. I’ve saved every file from my teacher training 34 years ago. Every memento from family excursions were tucked away (never to be seen again!). My motto: you never know when you might need it. When in doubt, keep it.
The wonderful thing about having multiple sclerosis (MS) is that I have an excuse. I’ve used all my energy to raise two sons while teaching and being a wife. No one expects me to have an immaculate home.
It took me several decades to build my collection. Who could ignore so much junk? In our home, the sounds of teenage boys have been replaced with the commands of accusing litter. “Clean me up! Organize me.” My response, “I’m the queen of clutter. Let me survey my kingdom of stuff!”
But reason has won. I know my MS is progressive. The limited stamina I have will fade. Now is the time to restore order.
So I’ve begun to bulldoze the mountain of mess. Each item is quickly dumped into its appropriate box: toss, give away, recycle, sell, or keep.
The value is instantly assessed. A ticket to the circus–toss (the memory is the value). A broken figurine–toss (don’t bother repairing). A rarely-used scarf–give away. It becomes easier to dispose of once-treasured items.
Plans of trashing things filled my head as I begin my morning devotions. That’s when God begins His de-cluttering of my thoughts. Removing self-pity and fear by reminding me that He restores souls, redeems lives, revives the weak, and repurposes the disabled.
Do you feel like a bruised reed that’s been tossed aside? Do you feel like a smoldering wick about to go out? Isaiah 42 reminds us God deals gently with the weak. There are no throw-away people in the eyes of God. Each person’s value is worth the price of His only Son.
Prayer: Dear Father, strengthen my feeble hands and weak arms as I put our home in order. Help me begin each day by being washed in Your love. You lead me beside still waters. You restore my soul. Thank You that my value is not in my ability, but in Your love for me. Amen.
About the Author:
Vicki understands special needs as a patient, parent, and professor. She has had multiple sclerosis since 1993. Her 31 year old son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She’s taught special education as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct professor. Through her online community she reaches out to other parents of children with special needs. http://theblogfrog.com/1505794
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Do you have thoughts or feelings you wish God would de-clutter?
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 