Vacuum

Words fit a need, sometimes obliquely or in a circular fashion. This one offers a variety of approaches. Most of you recognize it as a machine that sucks air and all that is in it to clean an area, usually a floor. My mother’s machine was an upright that was pushed and pulled. Then came a canister version, followed by a robot that can be programed to a unique pattern to reach all corners of a room. I watched amazed as the German Shepherd who is my guard dog when at my son’s house stood still enjoying a furme sucking loose hair from behind her ears to the end of her tail. Cartoons show dogs running from a room and hiding under a bed to avoid that buzzing noise.

Another need and the same word. A fall project in my childhood was for my mother to preserve a variety of foods from late summer fruits and vegetables. A very precise sequence was followed of cooking the items, placing in a clean jar, then a rubber rimmed top and a metal ring to tighten. As the contents cooled a vacuum seal was created and a satisfying pop guaranteed that the contents would be safe to eat later. A variation for preventing freezer burn is to use a straw to suck air out of a ziplock bag as you fold it down.

How to wrap this up. Well, truthfully, I have moments I feel like a dirty floor. A person has called up an inappropriate response or confusion of a day has left a pile of dust. Maybe vacuum is not exactly used, but cleaning is definitely what is needed. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. (Psalm 51:7) In moments that feel like hot water is destroying, I need to remember a plan may be in order for preservation. Preserve my life, for I am holy; You are my God; Save Your servant who trusts in You! (Psalm 56:2) Cleaning and preserving, multiple meanings, one reason.

 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Philippians 2:4