Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests. - Proverbs 14:4

Dear Lord, I know that a neat and tidy home, yard, and office make me more efficient and communicate to you and others that I appreciate everything you have given me. But I also know how neatness can make my possessions become idols that I coddle and protect. I can even make messes of other people's emotions if they make a mess out of my tidy things. Help me to appreciate that a home that is slightly messy is lived in by people I love, that a disheveled desk means I have productive work that makes my life matter, and that a yard that needs mowing is a healthy yard with growing things. Give me enough of life to keep it a little messy and enough thankfulness to take proper care of everything you loan to me. Above all, help me truly value people more than things. AMEN

The goal is productive, thankful living, not becoming a curator of my own private, tidy museum.

Additional Reading: Psalm 144, Malachi 3:6-12, 2 Corinthians 9:1-12-15