Spring cleaning

I must admit spring fever has hit pretty hard this year. Whether at the office or home and deep into the task of spring cleaning, I find myself longing to be outside in the bright sunshine. The sunny days and March breezes just beyond my window are enough to tease the most focused souls.
As a child, I was always the student staring out the window, wishing for the beach and a fishing pole. Or maybe those March winds that would carry our homemade kites soaring high above the Gulf waters. My oldest brother always made the best kites.
Even now, as an adult, I still stare out the window, knowing that a kite is resting on my truck’s back seat. It is not only a workday that needs to be accomplished. At home, I have started the spring cleaning that used to be assigned to our Mother. She taught us to empty closets, sort clothing, restack storage boxes, and dust everything. Cushions and pillows were to sunbathe as the chores were completed.
Despite everything that needs to be accomplished, my mind often wanders from spring cleaning to thoughts of running away and being a kid again. At the moment, I have a guest room filled with the debris of three empty closets. The closets have been reorganized, and the leftovers are packaged and ready to be donated to a thrift store. As I sorted through my belongings, deciding what to keep and what to give away, I began to wonder about the clutter in my soul. What should I hold on to, and what should I let go of?
In 1 Peter 5:7, I am reassured that I can let go my worry and anxiety to God because He cares for me. I know that when I entrust my life to Him, He will guide me in all that I do (Psalm 37:5).
I take comfort in the promise of Jesus to leave His peace with those who trust in Him (John 14:27), but at times, fear and worry still creep in. I find myself concerned about the well-being of my loved ones, illnesses, making the wrong decisions, and the hurtful words of others. Some challenges are difficult to overcome, but I find solace in knowing that God is with me every step of the way.
I will hold onto the knowledge that arguments and wrongful opinions can be defeated when I rely on the Word of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). Those harsh words or opinions that say I am not good enough have no place in my spiritual being. I will remember that when I rely on the teachings of the Bible, I can overcome any arguments or opinions that are wrongfully stated. Negative words that bring me down have no power over me because I know that I am strong enough to conquer all obstacles with the help of God. No one can make me doubt my faith or the love that God has for me. I am not living my life to please others but to do good and serve my Lord (Ephesians 6:6).
Maybe we can all put spring fever off a little longer and make time for some much-needed spiritual (spring) cleaning. We all have closets full of things slowing down our relationship with God and others. Our world will be a much better place when we do.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Psalm 51:10&12

Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.