I’m still sitting here, writing by the light of the Christmas tree. It’s still beautiful, with its warm, twinkling ambiance, especially when it’s freezing outside, and the rain is, too, but something has shifted in me. Certainly, the fact that it’s January 2nd has something to do with it. The holidays are officially over. But, as Kevin and I were getting ready for bed last night, I said “You know things are in a bad way when you are actually looking forward to the three-day cleanse you are planning to start tomorrow.”

You see, it’s not only the house that needs a good purge and return to order, but my body, as well. I’ve done a fairly good job of staying on track with eating healthy and getting my exercise in everyday, but I’ve allowed myself quite a bit of leniency over the holiday season. I’ve indulged in some of my favorites and eaten some heavier meals and done a considerable amount of laying around. It was fun and I enjoyed it. But last night I hit a wall.

It all just became, well, TOO MUCH.

So, today all of the glittering, festive excess is being packed away. I’ll sweep up artificial pine needles (likely till the proverbial cows come home, and probably for months after), dust under the things that have only been dusted around for the last month and a half, and bring in the extra furniture that was removed so everything could fit. Today, I will also begin three days of eating very lightly, only consuming some cleansing shakes, water (water and more water) and some fruits and veggies. I’ll flush out all the excess on the inside, too. And at the end of all of it? I will breathe a sigh of relief and contentment, and breathe in a fresh wind of energy.

Purging lightens the load, does it not?

The beginning of the year is also a really good time to consider what needs to be purged from our hearts. We allow quite a lot of garbage to accumulate in there, too. Resentment, for instance. Anger. Jealousy. Unforgiveness. Stuff that weighs us down, and becomes, well, TOO MUCH. The good thing is that we have Someone who isn’t afraid to roll up His sleeves and get His hands dirty. He’s happy to jump on in and help you clean all that mess out, using His fresh wind to blow out the muck and mire. All we have to do is ask.

So, I think I’ll add that to my to-do list for the Great Purge of 2015, as well. At least I know I’ll have help in that department, if in nothing else, since Kevin has an aversion to glitter and artificial pine needles.

Or so he says. 😉

 

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. ~ Psalm 51:10 ESV