Time to Unplug – Spring Cleaning For My Heart
Since early 2020, life’s been a challenge. Ministry looks different. Travel is limited. And to be honest, I need some time to let go and be present each day. Because fretting has been my covering rather than God’s peace. That’s when I know it is time to unplug.
Are you feeling it too?
Are you feeling the need to #unplug and recharge your spirit? #SpringCleaning4TheHeart Click To Tweet
Life is a bit noisy with all that is going on around us. So, time for me to unplug so I can focus on my family and my relationship with God.
No politics
No social media
No news
Just Jesus.
Some ways I unplug and change focus?
I have been doing some spring projects like planting Italian parsley in my herb garden and raking leaves that covered my daffodils. I dusted my tin collection and got them back up on the shelf over the kitchen cabinets. And, I have washed a few windows.
Projects like this give me a sense of completion. It feels good and it looks good.
I also spruced up my bookshelves in my office….they needed it. And in full disclosure: I needed them to look nice for my Zoom Bible studies and retreat sessions. I feel like I have a whole new office space that is inviting and pretty.
All this spring cleaning makes me feel a little lighter.
Unplugging Clears the Clutter
Well, my heart needs the same overhaul. The clutter begins to crowd my thoughts and affect my outlook. So this time away will accomplish a spiritual refreshing that I desperately need.
My heart needs an overhaul when the clutter begins to crowd my thoughts and affect my outlook. #SpringCleaning4TheHeart #Unplug Click To Tweet
I get tempted to set an agenda and make a list. I’m quirky that way. Checking things off gives me a sense of satisfaction. But I hope to release myself from that tyranny too. Instead of filling my rest with a to-do list of spiritual things, I plan to wait on God to see what He has to say.
How might my day look with nothing planned?
Can I come before God each morning and ask for His plan for me?
Can I rest even though my day seems unproductive?
I hope this will tune my heart and my ears to Him. Instead of scrubbing harder, letting Him do the polishing while listening to His heart.
So, I’ll be kicking back for the next couple of weeks. Let the refreshing begin…it’s time to unplug.
Jeanne
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My Dear Jeanne, I hear your heart. So many I speak with are feeling this same desire. MORE OF HIM…..
I am in the process of purging, sorting, cleaning……but I also need to take my time with the LORD. I need HIS plan for each day. I pray you are refreshed and encouraged.
OMGoodness; how you spoke to me this morning Ms. Jeanne. Just last evening, I shared a stanza from one of my favorite poems. It was written by Mrs. Martha Snell-Nicolson many years ago; entitled “His Plan for Me.” Thank you for validating what God has been leading me to this morning. God’s blessings.
Thanks for your thoughts, J.D. I would love to read the poem so I will look that up soon. My apologies for my delayed response. Unplugging was coupled with a trip to see our children and grands. So, I just got home last night and am in need of some extra sleep and un-jetlagging.
I hope your mind, body, and soul enjoy a delightful rest, Jeanne. We’ll miss you but praying for your time away.
Thanks, Cathy. I appreciate the prayer for both rest and our trip. I am home but now I need to catch up on sleep.
Jeanne, recently I have felt the same way. I too have questioned my list. What prompted me was a short devotional about Mary and Martha. Martha wanted Mary to help her with preparations instead of sitting listening to Jesus. Jesus said Mary has chosen what is better. He wasn’t condemning Martha’s preparations. He was revealing Mary’s choice was the better for that time. Last weekend I chose to listen to Him and not my list. His plan is definitely better. Thanks in all things belong to Him.
Susan, I love Mary and Martha’s example. It shows our priorities and also that there is a time to work and a time to rest. Blessings to you. And sorry for my delayed reply. I was unplugged on our trip to see our kids. Now to catch up on sleep…though I think I still need R&R as well.
Minimalism…my goal (again!)
Good goal, Donna. Sorry for the delayed reply. I just got home from my trip to see children and grand. Now to catch up on my sleep 🙂
Jeanne, as I read your post, I sensed the release of things we hold onto tightly. Totally resting in the Lord is a restful plan, one I’m sure that’s pleasing to Him. Thank you.
Rest and release, Jeannie…that may be my goal for life. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and sorry for my delayed response. I just returned home from my cross-country trip to see children and grand 🙂 In need of a bit more unplugging here too as I regain my strength and sleep.
Unplugging is a good thing. We need rest from all the outside influences to refresh our minds. We need quiet to hear God’s voice. I wish you many blessings in your unplugged journey!
Thank you, Barbara. I am home from my cross-country trip to visit children and grand…still unplugging here for a bit longer.
Unplugging is restorative for sure. Thanks for stopping in and sorry for my delayed reply.