Spring Clean and Find Hope

May my tears mix with yours, Oh Lord.
Wash the stench of despair from my soil
until blight is pruned and joy
sprouts in defiant abundance.
Lift my head to bask in the sunshine of your presence.
Grow me to be a fragrant delight.

Tools to spring clean

Whether you are dealing with grief or despair, you need reminders never to give up. This can come in many forms.

• Create your own memory garden.
  • Add favorite colors or the favorite color of a loved one.
  • Place reminders, such as butterflies, in the planter to remind you never to give up.
  • Weed and water regularly. This can be hard when grief or despair is at its heaviest, but the habit can also be a reminder and catalyst for healing.
• Create a file of encouragement
  • notes from others
  • funny quotes
  • scriptures
  • a playlist that lifts your spirit
• Spend time in nature
  • Engaging all of your senses can instantly lift your spirits
  • Find a local park to walk and observe ways God provides regularly

Lord, as the seasons change, help me to spring clean. Thank you. Nature testifies that what is hidden will be revealed. My life feels cluttered with doubt, but I know that when I think this way, you are stretching and growing me. When I can’t see the flowers, please remind me of the seeds you’ve planted. Amen

For Further Reading: Spring Haiku

One of my favorite devotionals: Streams in the Desert