Parables in Everyday Life

I believe that Jesus is still teaching and revealing Himself to his disciples—you and me—through parables. There are parables happening in each of our lives and all around us each and everyday, but we often fail to recognize them. As a matter of fact, I nearly missed one yesterday as I was cleaning our classrooms. I was so focused on scrubbing base boards and washing windows until they were streak free that I missed a beautiful illustration of the Gospel. Blessedly, Pat Terry, my cleaning companion, was more alert and aware of the Holy Spirit's voice in our work.

Our little school building at 10 S. Dukes Street was left abandoned and forlorn about five years ago. Over time the paint began to chip, cobwebs formed in the corners, the windows became encrusted with dirt and grime, and flies and spiders lived full lives and then died on the window sills. But, the first day we looked at the property, we fell in love. We knew we could make our home here. We knew that we could repaint, knock down cobwebs, and clean windows. We saw a beautiful potential in the place. So, now, we are on our hands and knees scrubbing base boards, getting dust in our hair and eyes, and sweating through our clothes. Our vision of beauty is becoming reality! We have an old building that is being made new!

Pat brought to my attention that our journey and relationship with the property is so very much like Jesus' relationship with us. Jesus also promises to make us new, if we will accept His free and unearned gift. He looks around at our chipping paint, the cobwebs in our hearts and the dirt and grime that that forms over our eyes, and makes us blind to the Light.  He looks around and He falls in love with us! He thinks, "I could make my home here." All the work to make us new was done on the cross long ago, but today—everyday—Jesus is sweeping out the cobs webs, scrubbing those dark corners, and making our eyes to see His glory. And in the end, "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)

I am not one of those people who love cleaning, but now, each moment that I spend on my hands and knees scrubbing those floors will be an act of worship. It will be a reminder of the good work that Jesus is doing in me and through Harvest Community School. Thank you Jesus for making old things new and speaking your Truth into this world. Please give us eyes to see and ears to hear.

With Love and Thanksgiving,
Shea

    Create in me a clean heart, O God;
        And renew a right spirit within me.
    Cast me not away from thy presence;        And take not thy holy spirit from me.
    Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation;
        And uphold me with thy free spirit.

                          Psalm 51:10-12