I love spring! Especially because that is the season when everyone gets out and starts house shopping again and, as a Realtor, it’s good to have people looking again after a very long, slow winter!
I was showing a cute young couple some homes the other day and we encountered several houses that were just not ready for showings. We happened upon everything from the snarling dog at the front door, to liter box odor, to rooms so cluttered that you couldn’t see much of the room at all. Of course we also saw homes that were bright, open, cheery and fresh. Homes that had sweet soft music playing and just beckoned you to sit and stay awhile. It’s funny…two almost identical houses with identical floor plans in the same neighborhood can be as different as night and day. It all depends on how the owner cares for and organizes his chattel- those things that are his personal belongings, stuff that doesn’t go with the house.
The Lord gave me a visual lesson the other day. It was so like Him to teach me in the classroom I find myself in most often…the classroom of everyday life!
If The Lord was showing your “heart home” to prospective buyers, (otherwise known as unbelievers or seekers) what would they see when they walk through the door of your heart? Would they find…
A Cluttered House? Take a look around…is your heart chock full of past baggage, hang-ups, hurts and issues? Are your “heart rooms” bulging with the clutter of unforgiveness and bitterness? Will your guests stub their toes on that relationship gone bad, have to squeeze past your judgmental attitude toward that certain person?
An Unwelcome House? Is that snarling guard dog of a judgmental spirit, pride, self reliance, and a hardened heart intimidating would-be believers? Do they even feel safe coming in? How about that irritable old cat of pride and hard heartedness that claws and bites at anyone who suggests making changes in your “décor” Is that super sized religious spirit blocking the light from getting in?
Smelly House? Is secret sin or unrepented sin slowly rotting in that little space under the steps that you thought no one would ever find? Is the foul odor of sin causing your guests to leave as quickly as they came? You’ve been trying to convince yourself that it’s not hurting anyone as you spray a little deodorizer to try and mask the smell. You convince yourself that it’s not that big a deal but the odor of it has given you away and has spread through the whole house. You haven’t noticed it before because you are used to it and kept yourself isolated from others who would tell you the truth.
As a Realtor, after I show a house, I will call the other agent who is listing the home and give them honest feedback about the houses condition, appealing features, drawbacks and potential blocks to selling. I run down the house’s strengths and it’s weaknesses so that the agent can relay the info to the seller and hopefully make the needed changes so that buyers will find their house appealing and attractive and want to take the next step to purchase it and move in.
The Holy Spirit is giving us honest feedback all the time about the condition of our hearts. He whispers comfort and encouragement about the rooms in our heart that feel comfortable and welcoming to Him and He also reveals where we need to allow Him to make some “heart improvements” Are you hearing Him? Are you working with Him to allow Him to do any needed remodeling? You see each day as you go out into the mission field of the world, you take your “heart home” with you. As you interact with your neighbors, co-workers, friends, family, and strangers, you are in fact giving them a sort of “open house” to your heart. What will unbelievers find there? You know Spring is such a great time to tackle those Home (and Heart) improvements!
Enjoy a beautiful springtime!
Love,
Kim Dent