Take out the Trash

So don't worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will bring its own worries.
Today's trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34

Every afternoon, when I’m done at work, I finish my last task and put it away, rinse out my coffee cup and turn off the computer. And I also clean up my office. I put every pen, ruler, elastic, paper clip and memo pad in the drawer. Every book goes back on the shelf, every file in the cabinet. I throw away / put away every letter, note, bent staple and scrap of paper. I pick up the airplane that didn’t make the wastebasket. The chairs go back into place and the keyboard and mouse placed straight. Before I turn out the light, I take tomorrow’s work and put it in the middle of the clean desk, with the most important items on top.

Our spiritual lives should follow this model. We should deal with the tasks and problems of the day with all our effort and with an ear to God’s leading. But when the day is over; when the task is complete; when the trial is at an end; and we have done all we know how to do, put away those tasks and trials. Put the problem on the shelf. Discard the unfruitful effort. Save the tasks brought to completion, but close the door on them. Finally, clear away the trash and prepare for the next day, the next trial.

And then rest in the presence of God, knowing that you have done your best to follow His guidance. When tomorrow comes, turn your attention to the next task or trial without the debris of yesterday. You will see what is important in your life because the weeds have been pulled out. Prepare your heart and mind with the peace of God to be victorious throughout tomorrow.

…let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2