Washing the Windows

I got a call early this morning letting me know I would be having some unexpected visitors. I was thankful for the call because it afforded me the opportunity to have myself, the girls and my house look a bit more presentable. After we were dressed I glanced around the house quickly to assess the priority. I swept the floor, washed the table, and counters, and opened the blinds, and front door in order to appear more welcoming. As the sun shone through the windows I was appalled at the grime that had built up. I quickly grabbed my spray bottle and paper towels and got to work. I wondered to myself just how they had gotten so dirty. I hadn't done anything purposefully to make them such a mess. It was just the natural result of everyday life. The kids hands and slobber, something splashing out of a cup, dust, wind, rain, etc..... It just happened and over time it had become difficult to see through the windows clearly even with the sun shining.

What a picture! Many times I have found myself trying to open up and let the Lord shine through me only to find a thick, built up film of selfishness, pride, bad attitudes, old disappointments and hurts muddling the view. I had good intentions and was trying to be obedient and express the Lord, however, I had not taken the time to be washed and by nature all these ugly things surfaced and built up over time. Oh, Lord, thank you for these pictures. Keep me coming to you in your Word each day, and keep me turning to you moment by moment, that I could be washed, so you are able to shine through me.