Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)
Happy spring time, everyone. And, yes, it is spring in spite of the winter wonderland we all awoke to on Friday. If you were like me, you blinked your eyes a few times and muttered something like “what the heck?” when you first looked out your bedroom window.

My husband sure did, but a second later he said with a chuckle, “Well, every day like this is one day I don’t have to worry about cutting the grass.” We also remarked on how beautiful it was with the trees, shrubs and dirty snowbanks all blanketed in the white covering — if only for a little while.

I believe you have to look at the bright side of things you cannot change. I mean, after all, it is upstate New York. The meteorologist on the morning news was quick to point out that typically in April we can expect about four inches of snow. By the end of March, the end of winter is in sight, but it is a process. And a day like Friday sure makes me look forward to the couple of 50 degree days promised for next week even more.
But, regardless, spring is spring no matter what it looks like outside the window and that is always time to renew, revigorate and clean, clean, clean!

I am on one level referring to the cleaning of, of course, our home and yard. But, I am also referring the cleaning at a spiritual level. We should from time to time take stock of where we are at, renew our relationship with God and our commitment to living a Christian life. I like to read Psalm 51, particularly the above verse, from time to time to help with this. I also love the next verse, Psalm 51:11, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” Who among you remembers the joy you felt when it really dawned on you what Jesus did for us? Who wouldn’t like to experience that joy again and again? Take time to really think about what salvation really means. Then pray and thank God once more for His sacrifice — He’ll lift you up and refill your spirit.

The other thing we tend to try to do in the spring is get into shape. Winter has taken its toll, our New Year resolution has probably been broken, leaving our body in need of a little  revamping, for both appearance and health reasons. 

But our mind and spirit need exercise as well. Practice looking at the bright side rather than the dark side. Remember to try to look for the positive in every situation and person you come across. That is a real good exercise for a healthy spirit and attitude.
Remember, refreshing your spirit and exercising your mind into the right attitude is a start of spring cleaning. If these things are in shape, everything else will fall into place.

Debra Robillard can be reached at drobillard@palltimes.com
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