cleaning up at home

This morning I spent an hour at church helping to deep clean the kitchen. As I washed the back of the refrigerator and scrubbed the floor beneath it, I joked with another volunteer about how funny it was that I have never cleaned this part of my own kitchen. Other than the one time we repainted, I don't even think I have seen the back of my refrigerator. I am guessing it could use a little Lysol.

My home, even my family, plays second fiddle. It's been a gradual development. But as I scrubbed I realized that I may be off the path a bit. I am helpful, kind, going out of my way when it comes to caring for others outside my home. But I am often frustrated, exasperated and gloomy toward those within my home. Lately, Andrew has resorted to issuing a single command: "Smile." Not good. You'd think it might sink in.

It's just so easy to dump on the people we're closest to, our spouse and our kids. And, yet, they are the ones for whom we should be scrubbing the corners and lavishing the love. Instead, they get what's left. In this home, the last few days at least, it isn't much.

My friend Ann posted a wonderful, thought-provoking reading for Lent and hopefully she won't mind if I share it again. Today, I hung it in my kitchen, along with these verses from Galatians, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." I need every reminder to give my best to the people I love most, right here at home. The back of my fridge may never see a bucket and rag, but I'm working on filling that kitchen with smiles.

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Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ indwelling them.
Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of all life.
Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.
Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.
Fast from worry; feast on divine order.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.
Fast from hostility; feast on non-resistance.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal Truth.
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.
Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.
Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from shadows of sorrow; feast on the sunlight of serenity.
Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that undergirds.

- William Arthur Ward
(American author, teacher and pastor, 1921-1994.)