dry-cleaning, anyone?

"Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me."
 - Psalm 51:10
 
This week I've been learning about keeping my heart pure, and it's been exactly what I need to hear. I never really knew what it meant to have a pure heart, I mean it sounds all nice and pretty, but what does it actually entail? 



Imagine finding a pair of beautiful white pants that would go perfectly with that top you have. They cost a fortune, but you love them so much that you're willing to pay the big bucks. You are so excited to have them and you put them on instantly, but there's a catch that you might not have remembered when you bought them. You live in a paint-ball zone where people are constantly pelting each other with paint that's waiting to devour your perfectly white pants. How are you supposed to keep them clean?! This seems like an impossible mission and you think about just returning them and walking around in slacks, because who cares if you're going to get dirty anyway. But you push those thoughts aside and realize - oh wait! There's this guy who I can call that is the best dry-cleaner in town! He can get out every stain known to man! I just have to go to him right when I get a stain, and He'll clean it up (if I wait too long, it will be much harder to get off). I also have a shield I can wear that will protect them from being tarnished - I just need to remember to put it on each day, even though it looks pretty goofy and people will probably think I'm a weirdo. To many, taking all these precautions to keep my pants clean is a complete waste of time, but I know that it's worth it because they're so awesome. 

I learned this week that it's kind of like that story. The pair of pants is my heart, and the paint is sin; doing things a part from God, who is the mighty dry-cleaner! It seems like a random example, but it's actually true. To keep my heart clean and pure, I must go to God right when I sin, and He is waiting to forgive me. It's not like He wants me to wallow in self-pity or try and change all by myself, but He wants to help me and take away my guilt and impurities. I also must be open with myself, God, and others if I want to have a pure heart, and be willing to do things God's way, even if it means others will think I'm crazy or "uncool".


So now I'm embarking on the journey to a pure heart. Easier said than done, that's for sure. Good thing I'm not alone, amen to that!

have a wonderfully whimsical day,


meg