Clean Filters, Clear Perspectives
A load of cleaning rags and towels was supposedly going through the wash cycle in the temporary laundry at the back door. Expecting the load to be finishing soon, I was tuned in to hear the familiar jingle the machine plays when the cycle is complete. However, the tune that played was not that, in fact, it sounded quite distorted.
Outside to investigate, I found an unfamiliar code blinking across the screen. Clearly, the water had not drained, and everything looked very sodden through the glass door.
Hmm… what to do? The little trapdoor at the foot of the machine came to mind, that’s where the filter is housed. Time to check that out.
Knowing there was still water in the machine, I cautiously loosened the large circular disc just enough to let the water out slowly. In the past, I had opened it fully, water pouring all over the floor! This gradual release seemed a much better option. Watching where the water flowed and satisfied that it was heading away from the kitchen door, I left it to do its thing while I attended to other tasks.
Returning later to check, opening the disc fully to slide the filter out, not a pleasant find! It clearly hadn’t been cleaned for quite some time. It was amazing the machine was still working with all that gunk in there! Months, if not years, of lint buildup as well as a small white button, and even a plastic collar stay revealed themselves. The smell was far from pleasant, too.
After some good bangs into a bucket to loosen the muck, the filter still needed a manual clean, dark grey lint clinging on stubbornly, before being given a thorough wash in warm, soapy water. Once everything was clean, I screwed it back into place and restarted the machine. Thankfully, it completed the cycle perfectly.
How often do our appliances, like dishwashers and washing machines, malfunction because their filters are clogged after months of use? They do a marvellous job of catching the gunk that would otherwise prevent items from being properly cleaned.
We too can have filters which can become clogged from years of what life throws at us, that affect how well we function. We might keep on going, but our thinking, perspective, and even our health can suffer. The dirt and threads of criticism, disappointment, betrayal, unfair treatment, and unkindness; the lint of jealousy, anger, and unforgiveness can build up and start to cloud our judgement, our thought life, and our outlook.
How important it is to cleanse and clear regularly, to restore a cleaner, clearer perspective on ourselves and others. Whether it’s booking in a Sozo session or sitting quietly with the Lord to ask if there’s anyone we need to forgive, or any lies we’re believing about ourselves, as things come to mind, we can forgive, release, and let go.
Just as our washing machines need regular maintenance to keep running smoothly, our hearts and minds need regular cleansing through forgiveness and time with God. When we let Him clear away the build-up, we regain clarity, peace, and joy.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (ESV)
