Last night, before I went to sleep, I planned to write this devotion about leaving for Dubuque. Then, this morning, as I was reading Scripture, I read Hebrews 12:1, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” It seems the Holy Spirit had another idea.

Yesterday, a group of us rolled up our sleeves and tackled some church clutter. What might have looked like just a clean-out was actually something much deeper, a spiritual act of preparation and unity.

As we sorted through our attic, a shed, a room and closets, we were reminded that letting go is often the first step toward moving forward. (Which we also found is harder for some of us than others.) There’s something holy about releasing what no longer serves a purpose to make space for what God is doing next. Whether it’s physical clutter or spiritual baggage, the weight of the unnecessary can keep us from running the race God has set before us.

But we didn’t do it alone. As a church family, we worked side by side. Laughter echoed down hallways and across the yard. Memories were shared over dusty boxes. And by noon, it was clear: many hands really do make light work. There’s power in community…in showing up, lifting together, and celebrating what God is doing.

And what a blessing to have too much to fit in our space, not in stuff, but in souls. Overflow isn’t a problem. It’s a praise! The fact that we need to make more room is a testament to God’s goodness and faithfulness in growing His church. More people, more ministry, more opportunities to love and serve.

We need to continue to clear out what’s in the way, in our buildings and in our hearts, so we’re ready for what’s next. We can celebrate that God is moving and that we get to be part of making room for the miracles.