Warm Spring days encourage trees and plants to shed the detritus
of Winter. Likewise, media often encourages us to declutter and clean up our
homes and yards at this time of year.
I am somewhat of a minimalist and a bit of a fanatic about cleaning. To really clean a room, I first clear the clutter—remove the things that don’t belong, store for later those things that aren’t needed right now and put in their proper places the things that have gotten shifted around. Every few months I sort through stuff and donate or sell what we haven’t used in a very long time.
Then comes the cleaning—vacuuming the carpet and dusting the furniture, scrubbing at stains, and mopping the bare floors. I can now see everything clearly and recognize what is needed.
Spiritually, I find I need to Spring clean—and not just occasionally!
When I sit down to spend time with Jesus, praying and reading the Scriptures, I find I need to declutter my mind. I must set aside distractions, both external and internal, and intentionally concentrate. Hebrews 12:1 says, “Let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly.”
Time with Jesus also requires that I be honest and realize there are things I have done or failed to do that I need to ask forgiveness for so Jesus and I can start our time together with a clean slate. Only then can I see and hear clearly what He is saying to me and asking of me. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Yes, Spring is a good time to physically declutter and clean our homes and yards, allowing room for new growth and change. But spiritually, every day is a great time to clear our minds and cleanse our souls so we can grow in our relationship with Jesus.
Be encouraged!
©2026 Pamela D. Williams