A recent rummage sale sponsored by the youth group at my church gave me a new perspective on the clutter in my house, and the clutter in my life.

I thought I might find a few things lying around the house to contribute to the sale.  That was an understatement.  A tennis racket, sofa pillows, stuffed animals, a bowling ball, CD racks, a wicker tray, VHS tapes,  glasses, bowls, water bottles and bagfuls of clothes were just a few of the items that made it into the trunk of my car and down to church.

I hadn’t realized how much clutter I had.  Things that were just taking up space in my home, things that were useless- at least to me.  

And it felt so good to get rid of them.

It made me wonder if there are things in my life like that, too.  Things that are cluttering my head and my heart.  Things I need to just get rid of.  Instead of a tennis racket, it might be a bad habit.  Instead of a bagful of clothes, it might be an activity that wastes my time.  Instead of stuffed animals, it might be something  that I’m holding on to that  I think will give me comfort.

It’s almost Spring, and it may be time for a spring cleaning of my heart and not just my home. 

And I have a sense that  it’s going to feel so good.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare.  Before they spring forth I tell you of them.  Isaiah 42:9

Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Ezekiel 18:31

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2