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By Colleen Duggan

When spring arrives, so do all the "helpful" cleaning articles that offer tips and inspiration to de-clutter, toss out all the junk and start afresh. Lent always leaves me gazing about the house thinking of the many things that need to be done to spruce up the place a bit. There are walls begging for a fresh can of paint, floors yearning for a cleaning, and closets way overdue for re-organization. While I'm aware of the many tasks needing completion, I have not gathered up the gusto to tackle them.

Of course, four small children underfoot allow very little productive time for household projects. The thought of getting organized while managing little ones (a near impossible feat) overwhelms me. Plus, the fear of what I could find also keeps me at bay, "When was the last time I did spring cleaning anyway? Have I done a really thorough cleaning since we moved?"

Yet, I can't get rid of this nagging feeling that I need to be better organized and that I should get rid of some stuff.   The 40 Bags in 40 Days challenge inspire me.  The goal is to take a bag and fill it with stuff to toss or donate.  This seems like an appropriate task especially during Lent, as spiritually I want to toss some of the junk that weighs me down in my relationship with Christ.  Shouldn’t my home reflect my interior life?  The peace, order and harmony that I long for in my surroundings is a perfect complement to the peace I long for in within my soul. 

But sometimes my intentions in achieving that exterior peace are impure.

In the past, I've undertaken home improvement projects with a vengeance that reflects soldiers in war movies. "Everything must be cleaned, upgraded, and bettered,” I've ordered like a Marine Colonel. "We must have this place in tip-top shape." The problem with this approach is that it was filled with pride and vanity. I decided it was time for a change and I made it happen. Once the project was complete, I showcased our improvements to our friends and family for their approval. "Doesn't it look great?" Even if my intentions were pure at the start, by the end I would be lost in the activity--having forgotten about Christ as the primary organizer.

Like many women, I fight the temptation to appear like Superwoman, a perfect wife, mom, and homemaker effective at balancing all her roles in an orderly and efficient manner. I am guilty of falling into the same trap that Martha did in the famous story in the New Testament. Martha opened her home to Jesus so as to demonstrate her warmth and hospitality towards our Lord. Unfortunately, in the midst of all the preparations she looses her perspective. "Lord", she says impatiently, "tell my sister to help me!" Jesus corrects Martha because although her initial intention was to be pleasing to Christ, to serve Him as best she could, she allows the distractions of her duties to taint her singleness of purpose.  The Lord tells her "Martha, Martha, you are troubled about many things; but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her (Luke 10:41-42)

How I want to by the one that chooses the better part! It's so easy and so very human to become distracted with frivolities, with things that don't really matter. True, I do believe that Christ is calling me to an organized, clutter free home but this doesn't require the nicest gadgets out there to help me in the process. I don't need brand new furniture and closet organizers. My home doesn't need to grace the cover of Southern Living and Better Homes and Gardens. A simple life -- not bogged down by "souvenirs from the floor to the ceiling" (as the famous Christian song states)--calls for simplicity. Less stuff. Open space. Less worry about what others will think. Most importantly, more love for Christ.

A priest told me once "When you are doing your dishes, say to Jesus 'I am doing this for you.' When you are cleaning your clothes, say 'This is for you, Christ. When people come to your home, let them know that yours is one where He lives. Do all and everything for Him."

What perspective this gives in preparing and completing daily duties and responsibilities. My house should be clean and orderly for Christ first, for the inside of where I dwell reflects my relationship with Him. A house filled with trash, dirty closets, and items shoved under the bed may be a house that blocks God's grace. When there is an abundance of unorganized "stuff", the "stuff" can get in the way...it can rob my family of peace.

Lord,
I want to de-clutter, to clean, to purge, and to re-organize the junk inside of me that keeps me from loving you better. Help me not to get distracted with the duties but to do all out of love for you. I resolve to make things new, to create empty space in my home and in my heart for you. Help me in this task so that the work reflects You and Your will. Thank you for my many blessings. Amen.

Colleen Duggan

After receiving an M.Ed. from the University of Notre Dame, Colleen dabbled for several years in education at the high school level. Retiring from her paid positions, she continues her most important work as wife to John and mom to Patrick, Meaghan, Mary Bernadette, Christopher, and Camille Duggan.

Comments

• Colleen, what an appropriate message for parents! Less is definitely more. It's funny that you mentioned the story of Martha and Mary. Just today I was headed over to church to spend some time in our Blessed Sacrament Chapel and as I was getting in the car the thought came to me that I had so much to do - I should get to it and do this another day. What came to mind was when Jesus said, "Mary has chosen the better part." Amazing how God ties everything together! Great blog!

  Posted on Mar 11th, 2010 at 2:22 PM by Rich Vosler

• Thank you for reminding us to be more like Mary! Moms sometimes need permission to put "Martha" on the back burner in order to rest in the arms of God and bask in the glory of each heavenly day! And then, when we must get back to work, to find the joy in even the smallest of tasks! Thanks!

  Posted on Mar 11th, 2010 at 3:41 PM by unknown

• This is an excellent article. Thanks for sharing your gift of writing in the midst of the many demands of your life. Your persective makes me want to declutter for the right reasons and not the wrong reasons so I can take it on without anxiety. GOd Bless

  Posted on Mar 12th, 2010 at 8:19 PM by Katie Cramer

• This was wonderful, just what I needed to hear and how to approach what I know NEEDS to be done. But to do it for Christ and with Him sets the perfect tone; love and laughter as we work together for Christ. Thank you!

  Posted on Mar 13th, 2010 at 9:24 AM by Susan

• Great article Colleen! I am going now to wash my dishes for Christ.

  Posted on Mar 15th, 2010 at 7:21 PM by Lisa Hoffpauir