Katharizophobia

Katharizophobia--fear of housecleaning. Okay, I made that term up from the Greek word: katharizo--to clean. I think I have this phobia. My body trembles at the prospect of starting my spring-cleaning. Spring-cleaning is one of those things I put off--like diet & exercise--until its result will be noticed by others. Diet & exercise usually begin at the approach of summer and skimpier clothing. I spring-clean when I know I will have a house full of guests. I hate to think of the state my house would be in if nobody ever came to visit. Maybe that's why hermits live in caves and shacks.

Several years ago, I read a booklet by Dr. James E. McGaughey entitled, The Divinity of Drudgery. Dr. McGaughey wrote about how all toil is holy for the child of God, and he referred to our greatest example: Jesus Christ. Jesus labored as a carpenter for years, before he began His ministry.

I have to ask myself, what's the lesson here? What's in it for me, besides a clean house? The answer would be discipline. Discipline is something I can apply to all areas of my life. I can't always do what I like, but whatsoever I have to do, I must do to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Afterall, He gives me life, health, and energy, as well as the home I must clean.

So enough procrastinating. I'm off to scrub the kitchen!