Cleaning Windows

Matthew 6:22-23 – Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. … If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have! (MSG)

I look forward to spring, not only because of the work in my garden, but also for the many household chores involved. In a sudden surge of energy, spring cleaning includes washing blankets and polishing floors, reorganizing closets and getting rid of unwanted items.

One of my favourite tasks is cleaning windows. When we wash our large front window, my husband climbs the ladder outside while I clean inside. This way, we can point out any spots that we miss. Part of the fun is tapping the glass and making funny faces at each other. Afterwards, the living room looks larger and brighter. Wood glows, and glass tables reflect the sun. The whole house is beautiful, full of light and fresh air. Viewed from inside, the colours outside are brighter. We take a deep, contented breath and sit back to enjoy the unobstructed view.

Windows are for looking both in and out. Sometimes, we catch a glimpse of others' lives through their windows. Often, all that can be seen is the television glowing, but once, I saw a couple slow dancing. We can't hide behind glass. Looking in, people see us as we really are. Windows show the true state of things. If they are dirty, other things usually are as well. When we invite someone in, we can rush around hiding things, but we don't fool our guest. If it were Jesus, would He see dirt and darkness or light and new life?

Our eye is the "window" to the world. Looking out, we might see something desirable, but cannot afford what has caught our eye. Maybe it's not good for us, or it belongs to someone else. Nevertheless, we might feel that we must have it at all cost. We might even believe that we deserve it. We could throw caution to the wind and acquire it or manipulate matters in order to obtain it. But now, looking in towards our heart, our house is dirty, and our spiritual light has become dark.

How we love to hoard! But Jesus warns that "your heart will be where your treasure is" (Matthew 6:21 NCV). One way to find out what our "treasure" is — what we hold most dear — is to check our bank account and see where we spend the most money. Or how do we spend most of our time? Let us ask God to reveal what is really going on in our lives and to help us with a thorough spring cleaning.

Psalm 119:18,37 – Open my eyes so I can see what you show me of your miracle-wonders. Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way. (MSG)

Prayer: Father, we cannot serve two masters. Adoring one, we will hate the other. Wash our eyes clean, and help us to fix them on You and to stockpile treasure in heaven. Loving only You is what leads us to light and life. Amen.