Clearing the Clutter

We had a mini spring-cleaning like day recently, and it reminded me of a habit I have: I set things down with the best of intentions to “put them away later.” Maybe it’s a book, a jacket, or a coffee mug. My plan is always to come back and put it in its proper place, but somehow “later” doesn’t arrive. Instead, those items sit there long enough that they stop catching my eye. They blend into the scenery. Before I know it, I’ve got clutter—clutter that I don’t even notice anymore until a cleaning day forces me to see it.

I think our spiritual lives can work the same way. We don’t usually set out to clutter up our hearts. In fact, many of the things that fill our time and attention aren’t bad things at all. They may be good books, fun hobbies, work projects, or even church activities. But when we set them down without care or when they start piling up, they take up space meant for something more important. Without realizing it, the clutter keeps us from peace, prayer, and focus on God’s presence.

That’s why it’s good to take time now and then for some “spiritual spring cleaning.” To pause and ask: What have I let pile up? What’s taking up room in my heart that should belong to God? What distractions have blended in so much that I don’t even notice them anymore?

The good news is that God delights in helping us tidy up our lives. Jesus invites us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Sometimes rest looks like clearing out the clutter so there’s space again for joy, prayer, and love. So maybe this week, alongside dusting a shelf or putting away that book I’ve left lying around, I’ll try to clear a little space in my spirit too—space where God can do something new. Is there clutter in your spiritual life that’s keeping you from peace, prayer, and focus on God’s presence?

May God hold you,
Rev Chris Hester