A Clean Space

Something has been rooting around in my garden!

They didn’t find much and stopped after two garlic bulbs. They probably didn’t like the taste. Either way, I laid grating on top of the tiny scapes that I hope will prevent further damage.

My guess is that the ground has been so cluttered with limbs and crisscrossed by humans removing those limbs that the critter felt hopeful in the clear and protected space of the garden. Imagine his or her surprise to find a garlic bulb hidden there instead of a tasty acorn.

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. This is the season when we are encouraged to de-clutter our lives of those things that obscure or disrupt our relationship with God. Like the fallen or cut limbs across my yard, our habits and obsessions can hinder our walk of faith and obscure the truths God has buried in His Word and in our lives.

We need a space that is clear of that clutter. We need a protected space where the buried treasures He gives us can flourish. But that same clear space attracts forces that would steal those treasures.

When it (the unclean spirit) comes, it finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and live there; and the last state of the person is worse than the first. Matthew 12:44-45.

Lent is usually considered a time to give something up, to practice self-discipline, to train ourselves to resist temptation. But Lent is more than a time to sweep out our distractions and put our lives in order. We need to protect ourselves from unclean spirits who covet our space, who are looking for empty spaces to ravage. We need to call on the Holy Spirit to fill us, to strengthen us, to guide us.

He was in the wilderness forty days, temped by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. Mark 1:12.

My hope is that prayer and worship will work as a barrier against unclean spirits which may be attracted to me. My prayer is that God will watch over me and protect me as the angels watched over Jesus. I don’t want my space clean and empty, but clean and full of His Holy Spirit.

It is the Holy Spirit who gives us the strength to resist temptation. It is His presence which keeps the wild beasts at bay. It is Jesus who loves us in our weakness and failure as we build those muscles of perseverance and discipline. Without Him, we are inviting all the unclean spirits to enter.

My sugar snap seeds have arrived. The weather is getting warmer. The days are getting longer. Soon, I will plant seeds into the empty soil and watch for their growth. Soon the songs of the birds and the music of the creek will no longer be overshadowed by the buzz of chainsaws. I am eager for winter to be over and spring to arrive. I am eager for Easter.

But for now, I need to keep my garden clear and protected. I need to use this time of Lent to learn to trust God for all that I need and put Him first in all things. I need to put my house in order and fill it with love.

And if something, or someone, does sneak in and begin rooting around, I hope they are surprised to find peace and love hidden there and not hidden anger or resentment.

Love in Christ, Betsy