Sticktights on My Journey
God never reveals what’s stuck to shame us—He reveals it to free us.
A Childhood Memory, A Present-Day Truth
Summers always take me back.
Maybe it’s the long days or the way childhood seemed to stretch wider in the sunshine. I remember wandering the woods behind my house pretending to be an explorer, fishing in off-limits ponds, and playing baseball with the Catholic family's built-in lineup of kids.
But what really stuck with me—literally—were the sticktights.
Those pesky burrs would attach to my clothes without notice. I'd spend evenings peeling them off, one by one, needing help for the ones I couldn’t see.
Stickiness of the Soul
It hit me recently: that same thing still happens—but now it’s in my soul.
Lately, I noticed I’d been touchy, short-tempered, and generally irritated. Little things felt big. Big things felt overwhelming. And then I realized—my soul had collected sticktights: Unmet expectations. Old regrets. Fear of bad outcomes. A quiet sense of “Things aren’t going the way I want.”
These are subtle, sticky distractions that cling without asking. But the good news?
God notices them, even when I don’t—and He lovingly invites me to let Him do the removing.
“Search me, God, and know my heart… see if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” – Psalm 139:23–24
An Invitation to Spiritual Inventory
When your heart feels heavy or your attitude is off, don’t ignore it.
Ask the Lord, “What’s clinging to me?” He won’t shame you—He’ll free you.
Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is simply pause and invite God to do some soul-cleaning.
Reflection
What am I noticing in my thoughts or reactions that might reveal deeper heart clutter?
Where have I allowed disappointment or fear to stick to me without bringing it to Jesus?
What would it look like to invite God into those hidden or hard-to-reach places today?
Prayer
Father, thank You for caring about what clings to me. I bring You the burdens I didn’t even realize I was carrying. Help me slow down, listen, and let You examine my heart. Show me what needs to go—and replace it with You. Thank You for Your patience and kindness on this journey. Amen.