Window Cleaning

The two homes sat side by side, each with a front-row view of the sea. In the morning, each basked in the same captivating sunrise. In the evening, each had a glimpse of the same colorful sunset. But the houses were not the same, or, I should say, those who lived in them were not the same.

One was meticulous about his house. He kept the paint fresh, shudders secure, and cleaned the windows every day. The other preferred to enjoy his home and let the house take care of itself. In time, paint pealed, shudders loosened, and windows became caked with salt.  It got so bad that he could barely see the waves of the sea or clouds in the sky. Nothing outside had changed; it was the same beautiful ocean and glorious sky, he just couldn’t see them like his neighbor.

* * *

Sitting at a table during a spiritual retreat, I looked longingly at those around me. They seemed to have a relationship with God that was vibrant and electric. In what they said and how they worshipped, it was as if they knew God personally - like they could see and hear him clearly. I, on the other hand, have always felt like I knew God at a distance. It was as if I was given only glimpses and faint whispers. Rather than celebrate what my neighbors had, I resented what I didn’t.

Then I realized that God was no closer to them than to me. He was just as mighty, just as concerned, just as loving. The problem was that those around me had maintained their homes. They’d kept their paint fresh, shudders secure and, most important, windows clean. When the film came and blurred the view, they got rags and Windex out and removed the film. They didn’t do this once, but on an on-going basis. They awakened early, read scripture, prayed and meditated, and did the tough soul-searching that identifies all kinds of salty film.

The work is tiring, and I’m sure they’re often tempted to sit back and enjoy whatever view they have, but they’ve learned the view gets lost if one sits back and does nothing. So, they stay busy.

It’s time for me to follow their example.