Cleanliness is next to Godliness.
That was the phrase I exasperated (and I do mean exhaustedperated) as I walked into my daughter’s apartment this weekend. As recent college graduate (& an athlete for 4 years) who got her first full-time job as a coach and teacher, she’s had a whirlwind few months of leaving the old life and trying to get organized for her new life. Roommates leaving (and leaving behind lots of stuff), working full days of workouts and practices over the summer for 3 separate teams, trying to keep up her laundry, groceries, cleaning, taking care of her dog…just couldn’t get it going.
Welcome to adulthood, right? That phrase is used so negatively these days. Instead of what should be a welcome, an encouraging introduction, most of the time it is used as a slap in the face. So, I proceeded to welcome - encourage her to into adulthood in the best way possible. We emptied out everything, made big piles, attacked each one to get rid of everything not touched, worn, seen, or thought about in a year, reorganized and placed in appropriate places. 3 truckloads to a donation station and 6 bags to a consignment store later, we were down to what was a manageable household for someone who will be working 10-hour days (12–14-hour days during coaching months). And just like a welcome/introduction, it only happens once. At my age, the back and shoulders can only take so much welcoming. The gratitude she had for me and her step-dad was overwhelming for us as we just did what we thought was right and good. The best part was the sense of calm I saw overcome her tenseness – it was a physical transformation. I knew then she would be alright in these next few busy months.
Staying organized and keeping things clean gives us back more time to do the important work in life. It gives us back our time to nurture our minds, bodies, hearts, and spiritual life. Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Cleanliness is next to Godliness in that it leads to more time with God. That time is priceless and it gives us peace in the other parts of our lives.
Marcia K. Gibney,
Director of Recreation Ministry
