What's Up? Wednesday

Hi friends. I'm going to show you something. By doing so, I cause myself physical pain. But it must be done.

This is my pantry annex. That's what I call it, anyway. When we built our house, we were unable to find a place for a walk-in pantry, so I have a main pantry (i.e., double closet) and my pantry annex, which is in the hallway just off the kitchen.

The pantry annex is where I keep all my small appliances and other household things like batteries, extension cords, flashlights, etc. As you can see, it contains those things and then some.

I am embarrassed that this closet has gotten to such a state. I love to be organized. I love for things to have a specific home. How could my closet end up this way?

I think it's because I've lowered my guard. I've gotten lazy. I've tossed in junk and let it fall where it may.

When I need something from the closet, I quickly open the door, grab what I need (if I can find it quickly), and close the door. When I'm finished with the object, I quickly open the door, shove the object wherever it will fit, and close the door.


When I opened the closet yesterday, I felt shame that I had let it get to this point. I would never want anyone to see this. And the Holy Spirit prompted me with, "But isn't that what your heart is like?"

Ouch.

I didn't have to ask what this meant. I knew exactly the message God was sending.


My heart is full. It contains good things. It contains useful things. It contains lovely things. But I must admit to you (just as I showed you the pictures) it also has junk.

If I'm not careful, the junk will take over. The good stuff will be there, but it will be more difficult to find, and it will not be easily accessible when it's needed.

Proverbs 4 talks about matters of the heart, specifically wisdom. In verses 20-24 the writer says,

My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Today, I am going to clean out and organize my pantry annex. I will show you pictures when it is complete.

And I am going to ask God to clean out the junk in my heart.

The larger effort for both will be maintenance in the days to come. It will take persistence and stamina. I pray God will give the desire and grace to do both.

Daily Bible Reading
Judges 4-5; Psalm 83; Mark 5:21-43; I Corinthians 9:13-27.

Blessings to you! Thanks for stopping in!