Spring Cleaning and Vintage Words
A recent social media post caught my eye.
“I am posting this with a heavy heart. I am selling/donating these items as I no longer have the desire to use. I’m tired. Only serious inquiries please. Message me if interested. Below is a list of the items:
Broom and dustpan, mop and bucket, sponges, window cleaner, vacuum, laundry soap, and trash bags.”
The post gave me a smile and I thought about the popular books telling us to reduce clutter and discard items that don’t bring you joy. Not one of the items on the fake post brings us joy, but we really can’t discard them. Keeping a clean house is essential.
I grew up with a Spring cleaning ritual that my mother approached like a warrior. Back in the day, women turned mattresses, cleaned blinds, polished furniture, moved seasonal clothing, and mopped and waxed floors. Venetian blinds were put in a bathtub with a strong cleaning solution; and my grandmother used moth balls to store wool clothing and coats. Windows looked like crystal. Memories of that vintage ritual hold much value for me. If I close my eyes, I can almost catch the fragrance of furniture polish and the not so pleasant odor of moth balls.
Today many don’t approach cleaning with that same enthusiasm. We even have robotic vacuums that with the push of a button announce, “start cleaning”. Or maybe you hire someone.
Whatever we choose to do to keep our homes sparkling, the era of Spring cleaning as I knew it has passed. But more has passed than Spring cleaning. Social media posts bait us to click for more information on changing the dated appearance of our homes. Browsing through antique stores we stop and make a mental note that “my grandmother had one of those.” Memories are triggered when I pass vintage photos on a wall in my home.
Lynn DeShazo composed the lyrics and Michael W. Smith recorded the a song entitled Ancient Words.* In that song, she reminds us of the life-changing truths of the Bible to meet us when we read and learn with open hearts.
Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV) tells us, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” It’s not outdated or vintage, but always, and at any time or season in our lives, has something for us.
Proverbs 22:28 (ESV) cautions, “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.” Landmarks served as boundaries for a purpose. Applying to us, God’s truth gives healthy boundaries that serve to provide us with guidance and protect us from costly choices.
The truths found in God’s Word are thousands of years old-vintage-but those wise words give hope because His Word never changes. In those pages we have timeless wisdom. Share on X- We have guidance for relationships.
- We see how to deal with struggles and adversity.
- We are encouraged by His promises and counsel.
- We find grace and forgiveness.
- We learn Who God is.
My mother cared well for her home and family. She worked with purpose, derived much satisfaction when her cleaning tasks were completed, and had a beautiful outcome. Our family were the recipients of her time, focus, and hard work.
God’s Word is timeless, not outdated. It’s vintage and holds enduring interest, relevance, and importance. With time, focus, and determination to hear from God, we can leave a legacy that becomes vintage-enduring, sparkling with God’s truth reflected in our lives.
For fun: do you have a spring cleaning ritual? And on a more serious note, how have God’s vintage words met you?
*“Ancient Words”, Words and Music by ©2001 Integrity’s Hosanna Music
The Conversation
My family vigorously practiced the spring cleaning ritual too, but I tend to spread those tasks throughout the year. I love the Jeremiah verse and had to read more about that particular passage.
Yes, I adopted a cleaning system where I did small tasks each day and saved a big one for a Saturday once a month. I think the small tasks are what we can do spiritually and our larger challenges take longer too. Thanks for joining the conversation.
Spring cleaning (of my house) is something I need to do, but I tend to just hit the high spots. This year, I’m working on a plan to “spring clean” myself, although I think it will take a lot longer than spring. Thank you for this message which leads me to reflect on my spiritual “house” and the need to cleanse it of worldly “clutter”.
“Spring clean myself”- for me it will take longer than the week devoted to Spring cleaning myself, too.
I love spring cleaning time although not as vigorously as your mom. I look at it as a time to evaluate the needs of life and discard things we no longer need. I think it is also a good time to renew and refresh my faith. Wonderful, timely message Marilyn
Thank you. I agree- Spring is a time to declutter-not only our house, but a reset as you said.
I like the fake ad! But I need my cleaning supplies. A reminder that often joy follows the routine tasks of cleaning and maintaining our homes and temples. Love the song Michael W. Smith sings.