fresh

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.  Psalm 51:10

Showered and pressed, I felt fresh as a crisp spring morning. I arrived at the airport early. With few people in line at that hour, getting through check-in and the scanners was smooth and quick.

I stepped into a newsstand to buy a paperback suspense mystery and a candy bar, then headed down the concourse. Soon the smell of grease was strong, hanging heavy in the stale airport air. Looking around, I spotted a fast-food place preparing to open for the day. The poorly ventilated restaurant was the culprit.

My gate was just across the aisle. As I sat there I could sense that odor permeating my clothes and hair. I had started out clean, but it wasn’t going to last long. I’d need another shower by the time I arrived at the conference hotel.

I thought of how, spiritually, I can be determined, purposed, cleaned up and refreshed, and how it doesn’t last that long. Daily I have to renew my determination, cleansing, etc.

The Bible has great wisdom and wonderful practical advice on this subject. Yes, I want to choose spiritual refreshing, so I’ll stay as fresh as a crisp spring morning, from the inside out.
-sally i. kennedy