©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com
Looking to spruce up your home this spring? As the weather gets warmer, we often look to do exterior work on our homes; but upon some closer examination, we may also discover some improvements to reinvigorate the interior…of our hearts.
Consider these ways to start afresh this spring!
1) Power Wash Driveway and Walkway
Our neighbors’ improvement project required bringing in heaps of dirt as filler which left their driveway and the street in front of it dirty and muddy after rain. Consequently, cars traveling on the street picked up the mud and carried it home.
Even when we don’t create it or cause it, we can pick up dirt spilled by others. Traveling through dirt, mud, and slime can cause it to attach to our lives.
We didn’t realize we’d brought the dirt home until we saw the marks it left behind. Muddy tire prints tracked all the way up our driveway into our garage.
What dirt do we carry into our homes and minds from gossip and negative encounters, inciteful social media comments or ungodly depictions in books, movies or TV programs?
After the dirt fill project was finished, our thoughtful neighbors had their driveway (and the street in front of their house) cleaned. We power washed ours and ran the cars through a local wash to get rid of the mud we’d picked up.
Heart Refresh:
Is it time for a power wash – a cleanse from an activity that causes unhealthy attitudes and actions to build up? When others look at our lives do they see a trail of gossip, anger, or ingratitude, or faith, mercy and love?
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 NIV
2) Rip Out or Cut Back Overgrown Shrubbery
Shrubs may look good on the outside but if they’re not blooming well, prevent something better from growing, or inhibit our ability to enjoy our surroundings, pruning or pitching may be necessary. While there may be better times to prune than others (after spring flowering is good for many; fall and winter for others), sometimes we just have to do the hard pulling and pruning right now. Replacing pesky shrubs with new plants may be the best answer in some instances.
When we first moved into our house, the shrubs on the back of the house blocked more than half the windows in the garden sitting room. If seated, you couldn’t see the green grass and peaceful pond outside. Outside, the shrubs looked lush and lovely, but on the inside they kept us from seeing the beauty of our surroundings. Now pruned to a manageable height, God’s creation is more readily in sight.
The temptation to hang on to plants, possessions and even pursuits because we fear change, accept the status quo, or attach unrealistic value on them can keep us from seeing and experiencing new growth and the full beauty available to us.
Heart Refresh:
What obstructions are blocking my view of God and His design for my life? Is there something in my life that needs removing or reshaping?
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. James 1:21 NIV
3) Wash Windows
Dirty windows can hamper our visibility. Visible streaks, smudges or bird splatter draw our attention away from what is good and focus our eyes on the yucky stuck there.
When thunderstorms come, the wind blows furiously and leaves and limbs fly around, grime and dust often collect on the windowpanes. Day by day, dirt accumulates over time until one day we realize we can’t see through the glass as clearly as we once did.
Have you ever cleaned the windows only to find out that they must have been dirtier than you imagined because once cleaned they bring in the light so much better?
Heart Refresh:
Is my view of God and what – and who – He created more beautiful today than ever? Or does it need a cleaning to bring back delight in His design for my life?
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Psalm 51:1-2 NIV
4) Create an Inviting Porch or Yard Display
Add a wreath, a garden flag, or a pot of blooming flowers near the front door or create a decorative “island” in the front yard.
An inspirational saying or art on a flag, a pretty seasonal wreath or a colorful pot of flowers can lift the spirits of delivery workers, neighborhood walkers, or people coming to visit. Plus, it’s a cheery welcome every time we come home!
Boxes full of colorful flowers adorn the porch rail at my next-door neighbors’ home. My aunt’s fun bottle “tree” in her yard makes me smile whenever I visit. A creative directional signpost in my nearby neighbor’s yard points to various places they’ve been.
Last year, the lone sunflower in our front yard flower garden grew to an incredible height surprising and delighting us and those who passed by.
Heart Refresh:
How can I bring joy to others around me? What can I add to my life that increases delight?
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 NIV
5) Paint the Front Door (and Shutters) with a Pop of Color
When the paint on the front door or shutters gets dull or dirty, it loses its freshness. Repaint for a fresh look or pick new colors for a fun change.
Our worship can also lose its shine or become routine and ordinary. Look for ways to spice it up with new Bible studies, podcasts, or the latest in Christian music. Meditate and journal about specific Scripture, discuss it with another believer, or challenge yourself to memorize verses.
Heart refresh:
What changes can I make to renew and rejuvenate my relationship with God?
See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. Hebrews 3:12 NIV
- What makes you smile when you see someone’s house? What causes you to grimace?
- Which exterior home spring cleaning tasks do you plan to do this season?
- In what ways is the exterior of your home welcoming?
- If you were to add one thing to change or refresh the exterior of your home, what would it be?
- What would you add or change about the interior of your heart?
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.…
Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:5,6,9 NIV
Remember…
Life is Better When It’s Full – Joy-full, Thank-full, Purpose-full and Friend-full! ™