A Housecleaning Parable
By Elizabeth Cole
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my
thoughts…”
Once
upon a time, there was a house. It was a serviceable house and, upon first
glance, appeared to be tidy enough. Until the housecleaner began….with a Dyson
in hand. Drawn in by the suction of the vacuum, dustballs that had hidden for
weeks rolled across the wood floor like mini-tumbleweeds. A couch moved from
the wall revealed a small pile of breakfast cereal. And on closer inspection, a
fine layer of dog hair along the edge of the easy chair was also
discovered. Suddenly, the house wasn’t
quite so tidy anymore.
For a
moment, the housecleaner wished she hadn’t started. Life would be easier if she
just continued under the illusion that all was as it should be. It’s just that
reality’s evidence was undeniable…kind of like the mosaic of fingerprints all over
the windows, uber-obvious when the western sun shone brightly.
So
the choice of continuing the cleaning was made... But now another choice
confronted the housecleaner. Go it
alone, or ask someone else to join her in what was decidedly overwhelming? Not
a quick decision. Another set of eyes would see even more need; another gaze
would highlight her deficiencies. Which choice?
I
suppose the biggest factor the housecleaner faces at this moment is, “If yes,
then who?” She’s not going to invite the one with the critical spirit, nor the
gloating perfectionist. The one who constantly compares, as well as the
achievement-oriented, are both off the list. Who?
I am
so grateful that our God uses words like “dwell” and “abide” and “in you” when
He describes His relationship with His redeemed and beloved children. His
Spirit lives within us and is well-acquainted with our hearts. What blessed
assurance that He already knows about that dirty sock accidentally pushed under
the television stand and the Dove chocolate wrappers purposely stuffed between
the loveseat cushions that represent my life…He knows, and He is committed to
me nonetheless.
He is
the Who. He is the One each of us can confidently invite to “search me…” and
“point out anything in me that offends You,” knowing that He has placed His
hand of blessing on our heads and has thoughts about us that are precious. He
is the One who places His hand over mine on the Swiffer and gets to work…with a
single-minded and loving focus on completion.
Holy Resident of my heart,
Search me. You’ve examined my heart
and know everything about me. Show me where You want to work within me. I’m
willing: I’m confident that what you’re doing in my life is out of your love
for me…and for the sake of others.
Amen.
GOING
DEEPER:
1. Will you humbly say today,
“Search me”?
FURTHER
READING:
Elizabeth is a wife and mother of
three grown daughters and two sons-in-law. She is the Director of Connecting at
Oakwood Church.
