Emptying the vacuum

If there's one thing I can't stand to do, it's empty the vacuum. I don't know what it is about it, but I just don't like doing it. I will let my vacuum get so full that it actually doesn't even work as well because there's so much dirt in it. I'll let it fill and fill from cleaning while and then one day when Matt's home I'll ever so casually mention that it needs to be emptied and hope that he does it for me.  Once it's emptied I'm often surprised at the power behind it and how well it cleans because I'd gotten so used to trying to use it while it was beyond full. Of course the deep thinker, over-analyzer in me wondered why that was and if there was a lesson for me behind it and low and behold, I think there is.

I'm also like a vacuum. I have a job and a purpose and if I allow myself to get full of grime, dust, dirt that's visible and dirt that isn't, I don't function as well or perform my duties to the best of my ability or to the height of my calling. Like pushing a full vacuum, when I'm stuffed past the "empty now" line with gunk, I lose sight of my potential or the way I once functioned prior to adding the baggage.  I don't operate right, or certainly not as good as I should. 

Because of this difficult thing known as pride, the hardest part for me is often admitting that there's so much junk there.  Even with the vacuum, I just keep using it, avoiding the hassle of cleansing it's insides and detangling it's brushes. 

My brushes get tangled with the dead hairs and stray strings of things I could have done a better job with.  I don't strive for perfection but many times I simply knew it wasn't my best and I do want to continually strive for that.  My canister gets filled to the brim of burdens that just need to be placed at the feet of Jesus. 

How can I achieve this?  Pure repentance and casting my cares.

There are times I pray that I long to pour my heart out to God, but for whatever reason I feel like I can't.

Hebrews 4:15-16 (bible study last semester focused on Hebrews and this verse spoke volumes to me)

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

I can do that because in I Peter 5:7, "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." God gives me permission to come boldly, without hesitation, to cast my cares on Him.  I can do that and enjoy the release of knowing that He cares, really cares, and that He can do something about it.  Jesus Christ, our High Priest, is a feeling person, and He can feel my pain and my infirmities. He was tempted like I am, and He knows what all of this is like.   I can tell Him my hurts and pains, disappointments, things I struggle with, the things I'm tempted by. I need to stop hesitating and thinking, "I can't possibly tell God that."  After all, He knows anyway. 

Ezekiel 18:31-32

Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!
......in other words, empty my vacuum.

Luke 5:31-32

Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
......in other words, empty my vacuum.

Matthew 3:8

Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
......in other words, empty my vacuum. 

The vacuum in me feels better already.