Soul Maintenance

Painting! I have a love, hate relationship with it.  I love how things look after a fresh coat of paint but after a few hours I get impatient and begin getting sloppy.  Then comes the hate!  Buying another house has given me plenty to do.  This house, built in 2002 has had little maintenance  done for many years.  So, with a deck that spans the width of the house with no stain and wood trim having bare wood showing, I knew what needed to happen. Four weeks ago I began.  I switched between the trim and deck and finally today, the outside painting is finished.  One deck completely refurbished and looking brand new and trim painted giving the house a fresh look.  I have to admit during both projects I wondered why previous home owners did not take the time to do a little more maintenance.  I know the amount of time and energy I expended would have been shortened if they would have!

As I think about it, a house isn't the only thing that needs maintenance: cars, boats, lawns, water heaters, furnaces, the list seems endless.  But the most important item is my soul.  My soul is one of those things that if I go too long between "maintenance's" other parts of me begin to show the signs of strain.  You know what I mean?  I get irritated, grumpy, selfish, moody, and that's just in the first few minutes of the day!  Not to mention the anxiety, fear, anger, and just a general feeling of being "ticked off" at those I love the most.  So, what's the solution?  Routine maintenance / care!  For me, my soul maintenance is found in spending time with Jesus through His Word the Bible.  I've been amazed time and time again what happens in my soul when I take time to read, think, pray, and consider who God is.  When I truly see God for who He is, His character, I begin to see who I am because of Jesus and His righteousness in me.  This concept alone feeds my soul.  Soul Maintenance is real and worth the time and effort.  How about it, when was the last time you've been refreshed in your soul?

So, as I sit and ponder the completion of two major projects, I wonder what the next one will be.  Wait, is that the water heater making noises???  Another "project" on the horizon!

Be Blessed,

Marty