Taste and See...

I just finished cleaning my bathroom.
Vacuumed my living room, swept my kitchen floor, cleaned the sink.
This is not really that notorious. I’m quite certain most wives of my generation do some occasional housework.
The significant part of the first sentence is not in the what, but in the why.
You see, earlier today I returned home from my in-laws.
We made a quick visit over the weekend to celebrate my father-in-law’s 70th birthday.
(The occasion was wonderful; all the family [except Sarah] together to share memories and wishes. To reflect on God’s goodness and grace over decades of one person’s life. )
But the familiar inclination upon returning home was to clean.
It happens almost every time we visit.
Not because my mother-in-law has nagged me, ‘checked in’ on my housekeeping routines, or given me a lecture or some ‘helpful tips’ on home management.
Nor was it because of the horrible disarray while I was there.
If you know Jon’s mom, nothing could be further from her inclination or ways.
No, the inspiration to make things orderly and sparkly clean comes from the enjoyment I find observing and enjoying the virtue of cleanliness and comfort so excellently lived out in their home.
Dad & Mom always give us their master bedroom, complete with separate bath; our whole family spreads out with privacy and comfort.
From the moment we arrive, I’m met with cleanliness, attractiveness and with it a restful ambiance that whispers ‘welcome’ in greeting.
I notice over the next 48 hours the sparkly sheen of the shower (how does it stay that white?!), the crisp yet comfortable feel and fresh scent of the sheets & comforter, and the rest of the house follows suit.
Order. Cleanliness. Tranquility. Comfort.
And so as I pull in the driveway of our own home, I desire to imitate this. To produce my own haven of comfort and peace for my family.
(I try; I clean fiercely & look around with satisfaction. Smile.
This lasts around 37.5 minutes. I then go back to reading my wall plaque which says something to the effect: ‘Don’t look for a clean house around here, I’m busy raising kids’…this makes me feel a little better.)
The experience at my in-laws, however, illustrates a deeper truth.
For in this situation I observe that my desire to live something out is impacted not by what someone has said to me, telling me how or why to do it.
The desire to live as they do comes first from observing it in their life, even experiencing it bit myself and realizing its delight, and then wanting that for myself.
And this model is exactly the winsome pattern of the gospel as we’d live it out for others.
In our community, in our church, in our own home.
Do I live out my faith so invitingly that those observing me, those spending time in my presence so enjoy the experience (or the view) that they want it (Christ) for themselves?!
This observation, or personal experience (we often call it ‘being a good testimony’) may then result in conversation. I may then have opportunity to present God’s truth in direct, spoken form.
But initially, when the other person left their ‘visit’ with me and 'pulled into their own driveway’ did they‘want for themselves what I had’ because it was so lovely to observe and experience!?
I Peter 3:1 gives the familiar description of a wife’s influence: “without a word”
Titus 2 gives the motivation for a woman’s life of godliness: “to adorn the gospel”
Matt 5:16 tells of our light shining that others may “see our good works”.
My mother in law could easily tell me of the benefits of a clean, orderly home.
But having the opportunity for myself to taste it, to briefly live it, to experience its joy and comfort…
That is motivation like no other.
I want it for myself.
Lord, may I so winsomely love you that others see your beauty through me and want You for themselves.
Even before I ever open my mouth to speak your praises.