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I don't know where many of you are in your relationship with God. But recently I have learned a lot about God through my vacuum cleaner. Here are some thoughts that I have compiled. I'll try and share some more later on this week. Perhaps from reading below you can see why I have been MIA from posting on Healthy Moms for a bit. Thanks so much for your patience.

Through a series of unfortunate carpeting mishaps, it became apparent that I needed to buy a new vacuum for our house. Ours had become moldy and thus slightly unsanitary. After putting this domestic purchase off for several weeks, I began the arduous task of researching the best crumb eater and dog hair remover. Having entered several online contest and failing to win, I arrived at a decision after prayer and consulting with the Husband. We had 30 days to try this miracle machine out (an Oreck). So, I took the personal challenge of vacuuming frequently to justify the cost of my new equipment. I am pleased with the results of this well planned purchase that makes my floors clean and slightly germ free.

I must admit that I am embarrassed by the cost of my new handy machine: but I value the monetary sting because it reminds me to vacuum and to take care of my new equipment with its fancy spotlight. If I thought there was any other machine that was cheaper and could do all of the tasks that I want it to do, I would have bought it. If I thought there was a machine that could better take away my dirt, I would have gotten it. But I don’t think there is any other dirt remover to handle our grubby daily life. Our active life causes me to vacuum regularly. Our daily interaction with the world and its contaminants, compels me to share with my children the skill and need of dirt removal. When my floors are dirty, my one year old also becomes dirty. Mr. Smiley's knees become stained from the places we have traveled; and his hands quickly become painted in grime, affectionately enter his mouth, and further assault his system with the filth from our shoes.

It is from my recent experience of battling dirt without a vacuum that I have truly begun to visualize and understand a need to have a vacuum for my heart. God is the Oreck, the Hoover, the Bissell, or the Dyson vacuum for my heart--for your heart. You need to have God vacuum your heart daily from your interaction and reaction to the world. I need God, because sometimes life just feels messy and dirty.

Like I researched vacuums, God researched you when He created you. I don’t know if it was all that expensive to manufacture my personal vacuum, but I do know that it was costly to purchase.

My vacuum was expensive. But you are more expensive. And you are worth it.

Please know that my heart, as a mom, is to encourage you. As moms it seems like our work never ends. I often struggle with wondering my worth or value, or really just feeling worn out and discouraged. Please know that you are important. Your job is important. You were created with a purpose in mind.