Grace sure can clean. We met years ago and somehow she always knows when I'm in desperate need of her help. Her scarred hands scrub away the messes I leave behind, her weatherbeaten face glowing in spite of the work. I've never been much of a housekeeper and realized a long time ago I'm much better off if someone else is in charge of that aspect of my life.

I'll never forget her first visit. We had spoken in passing a few times, but it took me a good bit of time before I plucked up the courage to ask her to come over and lend me a hand. She came highly recommended by numerous friends and relatives, so I finally swallowed my pride and gave her a call.

She burst through my door like a tornado, immediately finding the clutter I'd attempted to shove into closets.

"I'm sorry about the mess," I feebly apologized, hands curled into tension filled fists.

"That's why I'm here," she said briskly as she worked. "Everybody's got somewhere they hide their junk. I find it in every house I clean. Some people learn their lesson and just leave it out until I get there. The stubborn ones keep trying to hide it. I say 'You know I'm coming. Why do you make so much work for me?' They still do it."

"I forgot half of that stuff was there, to be honest."

"Don't you worry about it. I'm good at my job."

When she was finally finished, I tried to pay her. I know she'd agreed to clean the place up a bit for free, but she was a miracle worker and I felt the need to give her something in return for her labors.

"No," she waved my money away with a laugh, "honey, you can't afford me."

And with that, she was gone.

It took me a while to get used to this "new" home Grace had made for me. I spent a lot of time wandering through the rooms, waiting to wake up and realize the mess returned. It didn't. The change was inconceivable to me then, and I'm still in awe of how free I feel living here now.

I'm still messy and in need of Grace. She always makes time for me, though I'm not sure how or why.

I tell all of my friends about how amazing Grace truly is. I can pass along her number if you need it.

You'll never be the same.

 Shine Your Light On Us by Robbie Seay Band from Give Yourself Away (Bonus Track Version) (Rating: 0)