It’s spring cleaning time in the Eberhard home, and that means everything from windows to deep freezers. Spring seems more of a natural New Year’s resolution time for me than January. The rebirth of nature is timed so well with the resurrection of Our Lord that I feel it timely to list my goals for the upcoming year.
As I read through the plethora of ideas, a message was placed upon my heart: What if you used what you have?
Living in a culture of consumption, this is a radical thought. However, as I began to pray into it, the realization that within the walls of my home, I have the materials necessary to accomplish most of my goals was obvious and inspiring. There were no reasons not begin right away.
My overarching goal stems from the desire to be ready for anything the Lord asks of me, physical, mental or spiritual. Based on the fluidity of my days currently, that could be anything from answering deep spiritual questions from my children to carrying medical equipment up and down flights of stairs, lifting heavy teenagers for their daily care, taking a quick business trip with my husband, changing meal plans based on a medical diagnosis, completing daily therapies and follow-up appointments for my family and/or being asked to join a yoga class with my teenage daughter who is far more limber than 45-year-old me. I want to be the best servant possible for the work the Lord asks of me. I want my “yes” to be ready.
In our home, we have been gifted a weight bench and weights and a treadmill. There are yoga mats, therapy bands and a subscription to a streaming service where you can watch myriad workout videos. I am also blessed to have a pair of sneakers, yoga pants and a sweatshirt to go for walks outside. Clearly, we can use what we have to keep our bodies physically prepared for any task the Father might ask of us.
Each week as I grocery shop, I try to create a rainbow of fresh fruit and vegetables in my cart. I have, however, then found myself buying a salad for lunch when all the fixings are in my fridge. This had to stop. I have had fun lately challenging myself to use those vegetables and fruits to create meals as I also use up my pantry staples.
Our deep freezer as well has been a treasure trove of unused meal possibilities. I sat with my older children and wrote down what is available in the freezers, fridge and pantry. We made lists and created meals, snacks and desserts. How blessed we are to have these supplies.
The goal of continuing to educate myself comes from a love of education. This gratitude for the gift of education filled my heart when, as a young married college student, my husband and I worked our way through the last years of my education. Sharing knowledge over fireside chats became a common occurrence and quickly became a hallmark of our hospitality and home.
This love of learning continues to follow me through educating my children as well as teaching others. I strive to grow my mind by reading and taking advantage of online lectures, free classes and visiting speakers. My husband has different interests than I do, and I love hearing him share his thoughts and observations. As I look around my home, I see piles of books that I have collected from library sales, book sales, birthdays, etc., and I am reminded again to use what I have.
It is easy to look to what others have or to make excuses as to why we are held back from becoming our best selves. However, many of us need only look within the walls of our own home to prepare ourselves for what the Lord might ask of us.
May we begin today to honor Him with our efforts. May our hearts be true and focused as we seek to gladden His heart with our ready spirits. What is in your home to help you prepare for what God might ask of you tomorrow?