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The Parable Of The Vacuum Cleaner |
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Posted By: kiwibird
The vacuum cleaner wouldn't work - at least, not properly. Oh, there was an attempt at suction all right but even a moth in the last stages of old age or infirmity could have held on to a carpet fibre in complete safety as the head of the vacuum cleaner ran over it. I checked the dust bag with a brief glance and then clipped the top back on. Yes, there was a bag in there - stupid of me to think otherwise really. I went back to vacuuming; somewhat naively expecting all would now be well. Awareness came slowly. Are they really all the same dog hairs I just spent five minutes trying to get rid of or are the dogs trotting along behind me planting new ones?
There was no getting away from it, something was wrong. I examined the ‘turbo head' to see whether it was being prevented from moving at its normal speed. A few hairs tied in the brushes but no problem there. As if just using the machine would make a difference, I continued my endeavours and was rewarded with a dull hum as the motor churned away, but with no change of suction. A few slightly more intelligent thoughts began to permeate the depths of my brain cells and I made the decision to check the dust bag properly. It was only then that I discovered the bag was stuffed full. The indicator on the outside of the machine had not functioned properly and therefore, neither did the machine. Within a couple of minutes I had changed the dust bag and the filters and, when I switched on the machine, I was rewarded with something resembling a force 9 gale, vacuum cleaner style. It didn't take a great deal of intelligence to see the machine was working now. Not only was I experiencing great difficulty trying to get the vacuum head to move across the carpet because of the greater suction, but the cat had shot up on to the window sill and the dogs had moved from their comfortable sunny spots on the carpet, and were instead eyeing the big green monster from the safer haven of the sofa.
I began to think about this experience in relation to my Christian walk. How often do I try to function in the power of God but leave blockages preventing my progress in certain areas of my life? Not only do I need to surrender my life to God, but on a daily basis I need to be communing with Him, drawing from Him all the wisdom I need for the day, and surrendering to God those parts of my life not fit for me as a child of God. Being plugged in to the power is not enough. I need to be willing to be rid of the garbage that is so easily picked up on a daily basis...to allow God to suck it out, if you will. It is only by a daily emptying out or servicing that I can be used by God to the most effect.
I am also reminded of the time when my youngest daughter was about to start her orthodontic treatment. Before the appliance could be fitted she needed four teeth taken out. The day had come and she was sitting rather anxiously in the dental chair. I knew the dentist was a Christian and I knew that my daughter loved music. As dentist and nurse moved in for the extractions I asked the dentist if he could put some Christian music on. Quite willing to do so, he turned and pushed the button on the machine and returned to his patient who was being gently lowered into the reclining position. Then the music came ... "I surrender all, I surrender all, all to thee my blessed Saviour, I surrender all". I confess the humour of the situation was not lost on me, and even the patient gave a slight chuckle.
It is that willingness to surrender to God's superior knowledge, his plan for our lives that brings about change. The vacuum cleaner became the machine it was supposed to be when I removed the blockage. In order for my daughter's teeth to remain at their healthiest, some extractions were necessary. How much more effective can we be than when the dross is extracted and we are empowered by Almighty God? As I sit here the words ‘catalyst for change' have just come to me. If I examine my own life and circumstances what is that catalyst? It is the simple fact that my creator has a greater love for me than I can ever understand and by plugging in to His power I have access to anything I could ever want or need.
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Posted: 05/08/08 4:21pm - Total Views: 330 - Category: Christian Life
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Similar Blog Entries: Parable,
parable of a rooster,
Parable of our goats,
Don't Be A Vacuum,
The (2) Kingdoms and a parable,
Blog Tags: cleaner,
daughter,
life,
machine,
surrender,
vacuum,
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cowgirldiva |
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Posted by:
cowgirldiva 
(Posted: 05/08/08 6:47pm)
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What an amazing story! You definitely have a gift for writing! Your insight in greatly appreciated. Thank you!
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savedbyegrace |
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Posted by:
savedbyegrace
(Posted: 05/09/08 3:02am)
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Great insight and analogy, kiwi.
Guess we need to next start identifying what that blockage is . . . pride? laziness? lack of prayer?
Thanks for a great blog.
Gracie
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allforhim |
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Posted by:
allforhim
(Posted: 05/09/08 3:04am)
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Absolutely beautiful blog and just such a fitting analogy. I agree with cowgirldiva, you have a gift! I will spend today checking if my dust bag is full! Blessings! Andrea
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kraftykatz |
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Posted by:
kraftykatz
(Posted: 05/09/08 4:38pm)
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savedbygrace gave an example of 3 things that could stop the power. Think the number is probably larger than 3.
Great blog!
KraftyKatz
 drinking tea
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papillionkiller |
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Posted by:
papillionkiller
(Posted: 05/11/08 2:48am)
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I put off reading this blog, don't know why, perhaps conviction.
I agree, great blog.
One of the first things I was taught as a young speaker for the Lord, and you remind me with a beautiful story.
God Bless,
P-Killer
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jesusmymainman |
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Posted by:
jesusmymainman
(Posted: 07/06/08 4:52pm)
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This is such a powerful blog bless you. We need to surrender to Jesus His power is amazing and when we let Him move in our lives He moves mountains. It is a priveledge to serve God and it is a priveledge to read your blog. God Bless you and keep up the encouraging words and writing that God has blessed you with.
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Member Biography |
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Born in New Zealand of English parents, I went to England as a young woman and it was then I discovered a personal relationship with Jesus. It was some years later that I met my husband and his two beautiful little girls, and 14 weeks after we met, we married!...
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