After some not-quite finished plumbing work, the washing machine was full of rusty water and the lines were clogged with debris.  Thankfully, there was a drain at the bottom; we just had to pull the plug (and mop up a little). 

I imagined pulling the drain plug from the bottom of my heart so all the debris of bitterness and rusty residue of resentment could drain out.  But in my mind, it only went down so far; it wouldn’t empty all the way.  There was negative pressure; it couldn’t fully empty in a vacuum.  I had to open up my heart for the Spirit to come in, flooding me with new living water and washing the old away.  There is such freedom for me in that image: any time my heart threatens to corrode, it reminds me to look to Jesus and let his spirit wash over me.

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.  Titus 3:4-7