
One of my favorite modern day inventions is the Roomba. With a simple command, this smart round device vacuums my floors by itself! It’s genius! Imagine a pizza-shaped machine on wheels, hovering over your floors, with a small broom and dustpan attached to it, sweeping and collecting gross dirt and debris. See ya, pet hair! So long, dead grass and mulch that made it in on my kids’ shoes! Coffee grounds and cookie crumbs, we enjoyed you, but now, be gone! When the Roomba’s battery gets low, it simply makes its way back to its charging station for more power to finish the job. It sits for a while to rest and recharge. Once recharged, it starts right back where it left off. Be still my heart. A device that works like I do! I, too, need to rest and refuel after my own work!
Recently as I pondered the condition of my heart I realized something. I am like that Roomba! I wander about each week collecting the debris of life. Instead of pet hair I collect worries. Instead of dead grass and mulch, I collect hours of endless chores that leave me worn out. The never ending meals to cook, laundry to wash, fold, and put away, and all of the details of running a household. Instead of coffee grounds, bouts of pride and anger when I’m impatient. Instead of cookie crumbs, the envy I feel for myself when I hear of someone else’s sweet accomplishments that I wish were my own. Each week I go around collecting moments of my life, some good, some not as good, both making their way into the dustpan of my heart. At the end of the week that dustpan is full and my own battery is empty. My soul is tired and I need rest. And a recharge. My charging station? Church!!
While sitting in church, a funny thought crossed my mind. As I sang songs of praise, smiled at familiar friendly faces, and let my guard down, I realized I was slowly recharging my heart. Much like my Roomba, I, too, have a place to dispose of debris I’ve collected during the week. I can lay them at the foot of the cross. I can get on my knees to pray and recharge my tired, weary heart. I sit quietly without distraction and listen to a message from the Word of God, spiritual food for my soul. The message teaches me and challenges me to practice what I’ve learned the coming week and beyond.
Love God.
Love others.
Pray.
Serve others.
Find a need and fill it.
I absolutely and completely love it. It is the highlight of my week!
When church is over, my heart feels lighter. I’m strengthened and encouraged. I have a fresh start to look forward to for the new week, a chance to do it all over again. Although I know I’ll be collecting new debris for the upcoming week, that’s ok! I’ve just emptied my full dustpan and recharged my battery. I’m ready for whatever comes. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of church and Sabbath rest!