One of my New Year’s Resolutions this year was to simplify.
Lately I have been trying really hard to get rid of stuff. It is an ongoing battle, a struggle to keep what is necessary and let go of things that I don’t need, don’t love, that don’t fit, and don’t make me smile when I look at them.
I have a closet full of clothes, drawers full of stuff, cabinets full, pantry full, linen closet full. I have books and magazines everywhere– in bookshelves, in the bathroom, on the coffee table. I have 5 sets of dishes, 3 sets still packed away from our move fifteen years ago.
When I unpacked my winter things last fall, most didn’t fit, some never did. Most are outdated and a few in need of repair. The struggle right now is to mix and match the clothes I can wear so I can make it through this season without spending money on clothes.
One thing I have had to buy this winter is shoes. A woman must have shoes. I have lots of shoes, some of which don’t fit and never have but they are so cute. Some of them need to be discarded but I might wear them in the garden this spring.
Jesus said, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses.” Luke 12:15 NKJV.
My possessions do not determine who I am. My life is more than the name brand of clothing I wear and the kind of purse I carry.
Have you ever thought that hoarding stuff is a form of greed or covetousness? Yes, that was a staggering thought to me too. I guess it is time to start giving more of it away.
No wonder Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive.