I don’t know if you ever had any experience of spring cleaning in your home. I know it can be more of a thing in climates where things are more closed up for colder winters. But I was surprised to learn that the history of the habit traces back to possibly two ancient origins.

One was in Ancient Persian culture (which is modern-day Iran) shared in a springtime ritual that literally meant “shake the house." And the other was Ancient Israel in preparation for Passover, also an annual springtime holy day.  Rugs were beaten out, drapes, furniture and floors were meticulously cleaned, and in the instance of Jewish homes, every trace of leaven was searched out in order to be removed. The principle still abides. Whenever a thorough effort is made to clean or organize, we call it spring cleaning.

On Saturday, March 29th, from 8:00-11:30 a.m. Trinity will be hosting a Serve Day where that will be the theme. There will be things to do outside (landscaping, etc.) and indoors. And there is no age limit, so you are welcome to bring your entire family.

First, there are simply chores to be done, so there’s that. Second, it’s an occasion to build relationships either with people you already know (bring your entire community group!) or people you’ve never met yet. And also, it’s a chance to build ownership into your own heart. Possibly, Trinity could be seen in your heart still as someone else’s church. But a funny thing happens when you work on something, either to fix, build, or clean. It becomes yours. Ownership happens by way of sweat and effort.

And there’s no agenda. This is a genuine invitation — I’m asking, not demanding, so “No” is an acceptable answer.

Secure in Christ, we do not need to try to get points with God or any other person. We don’t need to try to retain some kind of status either. Because of the Gospel, we have no need to earn what has been freely given to us in Christ. We have no fear of ever losing what we’ve been given. The only enduring motive is gratitude. If I can’t earn any status, and I can never lose the Father’s smile, then what does motivate me in all of my work is the joy of knowing that God loves me and that I have an opportunity to give thanks to Him through serving someone else.

Register here for Serve Day.