August 2021 Musings

Sweep and Shine

    August is upon us and summer is coming to a close. I am already looking forward to Fall with its crisp, clear days and painted leaves, to the delicious feeling that Christmas is just around the corner, and to curling up on the couch and writing in the afternoon with a cup of coffee and an afghan over my knees.
     I spent a good deal of this summer cleaning- not my own house, I can assure you! I clean spaces for others in the never-ending quest to buy groceries and pay bills, and I have learned a few tricks to share with you. Not cleaning tips necessarily, but living tips. Cleaning a house can be surprisingly analogous to living a life if we are open to learning the lessons. 
     Lesson number one: Take a minute to sweep the front porch first.
A cabin that I clean has a beautiful front porch. Before I do anything else, I sweep it clean and wipe down all the rocking chairs. It doesn’t take long, but it makes an important first impression. This is going to be a clean place, a comfortable place, a place where one can thrive. In the same way, try to pay a little special attention to the first few minutes of your day. Praying and reading a Bible verse is a wonderful way to start the day. Read or write for a few minutes, or exercise, whatever makes you feel motivated and happy. Start with the hope that it will be a good day, a positive day, a day where you will thrive. It won’t always work out that way in our difficult world, but when it’s hard you can look forward to your own special time again the next morning.
     Lesson number two: Scrub away.
Once I’m in the cabin, it’s time to scrub away all of the germs, dirt and grime. To get rid of anything that makes the space unpleasant or unappealing, and leave it fresh and inspiring. We can do something similar with our lives. Scrub away all of the unimportant, the obtrusive, the things that steal your peace. Say no, whenever possible, to being busy. You can say no- you’re allowed, you’re an adult and it is your one life. Of course, we mustn’t be selfish and there are times when we are called to put others first, but don’t be afraid to cut out the things that are unnecessary and smother your joy. 
     Lesson number three: Shine.
Windex or vinegar in a spray bottle works wonders to leave a space shiny and sparkling. Windows and faucets will catch the light and let a visitor know that this space is cared for; this is a nice place to spend some time. What can be shined up in your life to make you more excited about it? Sometimes it’s the cosmetic touches that make more of a difference than a deep clean. Maybe a visit to the thrift shop is in order for a couple of inexpensive new blouses that you feel special in. Or maybe you can move furniture around in your house to create a nook where you feel inspired to read or write or create beautiful art, or even just catch a little nap each day. What aspect of your life you shine is up to you, but even thinking about doing something for yourself can be motivating.
     Lesson number four: Fluff.
The finishing touches to cleaning a room can often be fluffing cushions and pillows. We fill them with air so that they look comfy and inviting and you want to stay in that space for a while. Try the same technique on the people around you, but fill them with affirmations and love. Leave a space better than you found it. A smile, a kind word, empathy, these things are magic to struggling people in a crazy world. And when you’re loving others, don’t forget to love yourself too. You’re awesome and amazing, and you have a purpose in this world different from everyone else, and that makes you special.
     I’ll see you next month, and we’ll be moving into Fall, so make your last month of summer a blast. Do a little cleaning, of your space and your life. Be inspired, and shine, shine, shine!

                                                                                        Love,
                                                                                           Stac


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