Becky Crenshaw

I clean on Thursday.

I lock us all down, pull the blinds and purge my house from top to bottom.  I have never found deep satisfaction in the “cleaning one room a day” strategy.   I know this works for many people, but this has never been my niche.

No, I clean on Thursday.  And, yes, it takes hours. But I throw on some workout clothes, crank up Mandissa and I make a day of it.

In the summer, however,  I have the cleaning obstacle of three rambunctious boys under roof.

I have likened this obstacle to brushing my teeth with a mouth full of oreos.  Or building a plane in the air.

Nearly impossible.

But of late, I have entreated the boys’ help, giving them each a notecard with bullet point tasks.  Each task a bit mundane, but at least enough to make them feel part and keep them from ransacking my pantry.

By doing this, I have found that Grant, my ten year old, is amazing!  Quite the little duster.  I hand him a cloth and a can of Pledge and I don’t see that kid for a solid hour.  He disappears into an imaginary war zone – Grant against the dust bunnies.  He wipes blinds and frames and shelves and base boards only to come back to tell me he has “run out of things to dust.”

No we can’t clone him.  I’ve tried.

Last Thursday, I was in the bathroom, standing over my sink and wiping down the vanity.  Grant was knelt down beside the doorframe,  dusting the underneath of my jewelry stand.

As I scrubbed a week’s worth of grime from around my faucet, I rhetorically asked, “Grant, buddy, what would I do without you?”

Without a second’s hesitation he replied…

“Not much.”

I burst into laughter.  Taken back by his honesty and innocence.  Truly convinced of his answer.

He couldn’t quite understand why I was giggling.  But he chuckled along, giving me the “why are we laughing” look.

“What is so funny?”

“Oh, buddy, you are so right.  I would get things accomplished but not nearly as well.  You make mommy much more efficient. And Thursday is much more enjoyable with you – my cleaning side kick.  Might I add,  you are a far better duster  than mommy, too.”

Then parallel came.  And I envisioned my life verse which is seared into the leather cover of my Bible.

I am the vine; you are the branches.  Apart from me you can do nothing.  John 15:5

Well, we can though, right?  We can do things without Christ.  People live their entire lives without entreating His help.

But just like Grant making war with our dust bunnies, I have a Lord that fights battle on my behalf.  Battles I may never know about.  I have a Companion and a Helper who empowers me, equips me, and makes my life abundantly more rich. Believe me, I’ve lived it both ways.  Life with Christ is better.

I can clean my house without Grant.  Sure.  But how much better is this task with him at my side.

Apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Without Christ, I make selfish choices.  I live in frustration.  I hold life too tightly.  Apart from Him, I speak at the top of my voice.  I am embittered and unforgiving.  Without Him, I am self-absorbed and self-serving.  I obsess with my scale and our money and clothes and food.  Without Christ, I am discontent and impatient.  Worried for tomorrow. Without Christ, I am a sassy wife – rough around every edge.  Without Him, I run on a half-tank and accomplish life by the arm of my flesh.

But! With Christ….

All things are possible.  Mark 10:27

I smiled at Grant, sharing how his innocent comment spoke such deep meaning.  He understood and stood a little taller, knowing the Lord had used him to remind me of this life-altering Truth.

Let God fight your dust bunnies today.  Let us offer ourselves to Him and abide in the Vine.  He is our source of power, peace, and victory.

And remember, you can do this day without Him.

But why?  When you can live this day – not only with Him BUT through Him.

Lord, I give myself to you today.  I give you my marriage.  My money.  My children. My job.  Thank you that You are my ever-increasing source of empowerment.  Thank you that all things are possible with you, Lord.  Let this Truth be my reflection today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Reflection : Do you have a life verse?  I’d love to hear yours, too.