Windows

– I was inspired when this word was used while listening to my morning video during prayer time.  You may be familiar with the term spring cleaning.  For those a little younger than myself, it was a tradition used in societies worldwide, with roots tracing back to ancient times, symbolizing the transition from dormant winter to the vibrant growth of spring.  It also held symbolic significance, viewed as a fresh start. 

I can remember my mother doing our homes’ spring cleaning every year, opening the windows, allowing the fresh air to spread through the rooms of our home.  I can still remember witnessing my mother in action, throwing open the curtains to allow the soft breezes to pass through.  It was almost her proclamation that winter was done!

For all of us, it was much more than a weather forecast; it was also a lightening of our mood.  Everything was now breathing new life – even darkness to light.  As my mother continued in her process,  the curtains were taken down and cleaned; slipcovers on our family sofa were changed out and sent to the dry cleaners, suddenly giving our home and our hearts new life.  It was like my mom washed the staleness of winter away!

You and I don’t need to be in any specific season to realize when our own windows need to be flung open.  Of course, I’m talking about breathing fresh air into our occasional stale hearts.  I think, right now especially, we all need to open our windows, allowing the fresh air to flow in with love, understanding, humility, warmth, compassion (and more) – all the attributes that Jesus desires us to possess.

 I take some time to contemplate – what in my life needs a breath of fresh air right now?  I believe it’s Jesus nudging each of us to stop and reevaluate our hearts.  Have we shut our windows tight, not allowing our anger, resentment, regret, and yes, even hatred for one another, to escape?  When our windows are shut, you and I are not allowing the fresh air of the Holy Spirit to enter into our hearts.

As we are fast approaching the season of Advent, maybe we all could get a head start in attempting to just crack our windows open a little each day, preparing to clean the air of all the negatives and allowing in all the goodness before celebrating the birth of Jesus.  Thank you, God and my mom, for allowing the freshness of both into our home.

“And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. Malachi 3:10