the clutter within

Every so often I get up one morning and absolutely can't stand looking at the counter in the kitchen; the "phone counter." For that matter, the drawer below is equally shocking. I think, maybe if I clear that counter and get it looking neat, the drawer won't matter. The casual passerby won't notice the clutter within.

So this morning I led the charge. That is, I led myself to that counter and reluctantly moved on to the drawer. I ask you, how many rubber bands does one family need? How about key rings, paper clips, old pens, broken pencils and Wal-mart receipts? Then I think about my life. Am I more concerned about the messy counters - the areas that others see - than what's underneath? Do I try to look and act good while I neglect what counts? Attitudes. Thoughts. Reliance on self. Not God.

The counter is clear now (see photo); the drawer is pretty good.

God sees the mess in my "drawer" as clearly as I see the cluttered counter every morning. And only he can tidy it up. As much as I will let him.