Boxes, Anyone?

Boxes anyone?

I’ve noticed an interesting pattern in my own life. Oddly enough, when I have a speaking commitment, I don’t begin by thinking about what I am going to say, or by writing and studying. I carry boxes.

Image via Shutterstock. Licensed for use by Celeste Zepponi. All rights reserved.

Out of some need to spend physical energy, I find myself immersed in organizing, getting rid of clutter and cleaning. Something that has been sitting for months suddenly has to be put in its proper place or gotten rid of right now!

I have come to realize that as I am clearing out my environment, I am also clearing out my thoughts. The first step in this process is scheduling time alone, allowing myself to respond to what I need to do in order to get to something that I can do for others.

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We clean out to remember what we have.
We clean out to get rid of what is old or not working for us anymore.
We clean out to create space for something new.

This is true of physical space, but it is just as necessary in our spiritual lives too. We are physical and spiritual beings and both aspects of our personalities affect the quality of our daily lives. That is why I have come to realize, to reach a deeper spiritual reflection, I benefit through becoming physically involved in ordering my environment.

One of the most exciting elements in this process of experiencing a deeper peace is what we choose to bring in as new. An important reward of cleaning and preparing a physical space is the new function and appeal it takes on. Often we are inspired to arrange fresh flowers, buy a new piece of furnishing, or choose a new paint color for the walls.

What we bring in, or buy into spiritually also creates our new spiritual environment in the same way.

Spiritually we clean out to remember we are God’s children and God cares about absolutely every little detail of our lives.
Spiritually we clean out to get rid of what is not of God.
Spiritually we clean out to create space to pray, as Jesus taught us, to live in God’s perfect will for our lives.

When I finally do get to my writing and wrap up my notes for a talk, I remind myself that I didn’t clean up perfectly, there is still more to do, and I know the time will come when I have to clean out all over again.

The process will continue both physically and spiritually. But my heart is sweetly consoled because I know, and have experienced, that there is much joy to be found in the journey, even when the journey is disguised in the carrying of an ordinary cardboard box.