Sanctuary

While at the library last week, I was browsing the new titles and came across this book, Creating a Blessed Place to Live and Love by Pamela Bailey. I decided, why not, and checked it out. I think it was meant to be more of a workbook because there are questions to answer at the end of each chapter. Actually some of the questions were thought provoking and while I didn't write down my answers, I did attempt to answer each question.
The English major in me wanted more from Bailey's writing, but I'm blogging about it, so there must have been some great points, right?

Here is a quote that 'got me'....
"If I am handling most challenges in my daily life but have some issues I wish to avoid, my home is usually neat and tidy except for one corner of a room or a desk, that is filled with clutter. The clutter undoubtedly is indicative of the avoidance of cleaning up issues in my personal life."

My clutter isn't a corner, but a whole room, my bedroom. I have thought about this for years, that on the outside someone just dropping by would think that I have it all together. Usually my house is presentable, but my bedroom is another story. Very few have seen it and I'm thinking that maybe very few have seen the real me. I'm very good at giving people what they want, or what I think they want.

I've totally cleaned up my room (numerous times) and kept it clean for a while, but inevitably, it becomes cluttered again. I get busy and/or lazy and before I know it I have to keep my door to my bedroom closed. This reminds me of sin. While I'm in the Word and working on my daily relationship with Jesus, my sinful nature is not cluttering me up. But when I become too busy with 'busyness' and/or I become lazy and selfish with my time, (i.e. watching too much tv, being on the computer too much) I neglect my relationship with Jesus and sin creeps back in. Before I know it I'm a cluttered mess. So...I am going to try and make daily devotions and 'real quiet time' with Jesus a habit.

(See The Lazy Organizer for more info on SMART Habit Saturday)

Phew...that's all for now....really, there were other wonderful points in the book. What I came away with after reading it is the importance of making my home a sanctuary for Michael, Hannah, Jacob and for me.