It’s spring-cleaning time in the Eberhard home and that means everything from windows to deep freezers. Spring acts more like a natural New Year’s resolution time for me than January. There is something about the rebirth of nature timed so well with the resurrection of Our Lord that I feel it timely to begin my lists of goals for the upcoming year. As I read through the plethora of ideas, a message was placed upon my heart. What if you used what you have?
Living in a culture of consumption, this is a radical thought indeed. However, as I began to pray into it, the realization that within the walls of my home, I have the materials necessary to accomplish most of my goals was glaringly obvious and also inspiring. There were no reasons for me to not begin right away.
My overarching goal stems from the desire to be ready for anything the Lord asks of me, whether that be physical, mental, or spiritual. Based on the fluidity of my days currently, that could be anything from answering deep spiritual questions from my children to carrying medical equipment up and down flights of stairs, lifting heavy teenagers for their daily care, a quick business trip with my husband, changing meal plans based on medical diagnosis, daily therapies and follow up appointments for all the needs within my family, and/or being asked to join a yoga class with my teenage daughter who is far more limber than 45-year-old me. I simply want to be the best servant possible for the work the Lord asks of me every day. I want my yes to be ready.
In our home, we have been gifted a weight bench and weights, and a treadmill. There are yoga mats, therapy bands, and a subscription to a streaming service where you can watch any myriad of workout videos. I am also blessed to have a pair of sneakers, some yoga pants and a sweatshirt to go for walks outside! Clearly we can use what we have to help our bodies be physically prepared for any task the Father might ask of us.
Each week as I grocery shop, I try to make sure that there is a rainbow of fresh fruit and vegetables in my cart. I have however then found myself going out to grab a salad for lunch when all the fixings are right in my fridge. This had to stop. I have had so much fun lately, challenging myself to use those vegetables and fruits to create meals as I use up my pantry staples. Our deep freezer as well has been a treasure trove of unused meal possibilities. I have sat down with my older children and written down what is available in the freezers, fridge and pantry. We have made lists and created meals, snacks, and desserts. How blessed we are to have these supplies available to us.
The goal of continuing to educate myself comes from a love of education. This gratitude for the gift of education filled my heart when, as a young married college student, my husband and I worked our way through the last years of my education. Sharing knowledge over fireside chats became a common occurrence and quickly became a hallmark of our hospitality and home. This love of learning continues to follow me through educating my own children as well as teaching others. I strive to grow my mind by reading and taking advantage of online lectures, free classes, and visiting speakers. My husband has different interests than I do, and I love hearing him share his thoughts and observations. As I look around my home, I see piles of books that I have collected from library sales, book sales, birthdays, and so on, and I again am reminded to use what I have.
It is easy to look to what others have or to make excuses as to why we are held back from becoming the best version of ourselves. However, many of us have only to look within the walls of our own home to prepare ourselves for what the Lord might ask of us. May we honor Him with our efforts today. May our hearts be true and focused as we seek to gladden His heart with our ready spirits. What is in your home that will help you prepare for what God make ask of you tomorrow?
