It was a joint project to prepare for company last week. John and I made gradual progress rehoming piles, and books, and forgotten paperwork. I gave the stack of quilts the respect they deserve, which is to look less like the Tower of Pisa and more like the Washington Monument.  

Our normal routine includes doing dishes, laundry, and vacuuming, but not necessarily on the same day. In preparation for guests, we timed it so that they all finished simultaneously. 

It worked. When the parade of friends walked through the door we were ready, and they felt comfortable enough to stay for a few hours. 

Then they were gone. Almost on cue, people got sleepy and stepped back into the darkness. 

After John and I loaded mugs and plates into the dishwasher and put food away, we too crawled into bed. 

When we woke up, the house was still remarkably tidy. It was lovely. After the effort to ensure that our friends would have pleasant surroundings for an evening, we lucked out by getting to enjoy it for a week. Longer, if we keep at it. 

It occurs to me that something similar happens when God invites us to clean up our act for the benefit of others. When we put aside the tendencies to complain, and find fault, living in our own skin is remarkably more enjoyable.