A Little Window Washing

“…we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4

Photo: Renae Bowman

We had our windows cleaned the other day.

Yes, I hire someone to do them—please don’t hate. It takes him no time at all to get it done–he has his squeegee thingy, a stack of soft cloths, just the right fluid mixture. Me, on the other hand…a spray bottle, a gazillion paper towels, streaks galore and frustration…and that’s just one window. I’ve learned my lesson; there are just some things I’m not good at.

After he left, I stood at my big kitchen window and was simply amazed. I had to laugh. Trees were greener, whites were whiter, browns were browner—I realized, I didn’t know the windows needed cleaning until they were clean!

Oh, right then and there I thought of Jesus.
I thought how I didn’t know I needed Him, until I had Him.
I thought of how He took my undeserving soul with a life full of grime and dirt, and cleaned me right up.

You see, that is how Jesus operates. Whether for the first time saying yes, or together for awhile—He cleans where it is dirty. He brightens where it is dark. He shines where it is dull.

We mindlessly go through life thinking our windows are clean. Why wouldn’t we? What we see, what we do, decisions we make—all seem so clear—it’s the norm. Yet, when we say yes to Him, you suddenly realize nothing was clear at all. You realize you didn’t need a change, until a change happened.

My friends, there is life and brightness in Jesus.  He takes you as you are and removes the streaks and smudges–even when you think it can’t happen.  It is what He does best.  It is what He wants the most–you’re heart, your life.

In this time of thankfulness and preparation maybe it’s time to ask yourself if the house isn’t the only thing that needs cleaning. Perhaps it’s more about a heart thing.  Perhaps it’s time to answer the desire, fill the empty wonder and seek the different way you’ve been searching for. Maybe it’s time for the one thing you didn’t even know you needed–Jesus.