Keeping it Clean

Well, another week has passed and I can truelly say that no matter how many times I put something away it seems to reappear. And no matter how many times I leave something out it magically disappears! But worst of all I am usually called on to be Queen of my domain and know the exact location of all household inventory. From holiday ornaments to seasonal apparel, I could probably give TJ Maxx a few tips about inventory control.

My new philosophy is taking shape, I surveyed my sentimental stashes of cutesy clutter and decided if it can't make me cherish the time it takes to maintain it, it has to find a new home. I've decided that in todays economy re-gifting is a nice way of releasing small treasures of previous delight and recapturing the thoughtful sentiment that was intended with each objects purchase. There certainly is a place for everything to belong, but it just can't be here in my house.

With a simplified environment comes a simpler lifestyle. Hopefully one that will allow time for more relational priority than has this period of gadgets & trappings. I was thinking about the real basic elements that make for a home, table & chairs for dining, a sofa , comfy chair, 1 television, a bed & dresser per person , window shades,a placesetting per family member, basic bedding, a set of cookware. Believe it or not , that is probably more than what we all started out with when we set out on our own!

We seem to be overwhelmed in our everyday duties and decisions. We want more, but fail to be contented with the already haves, they become old fast ,no longer precious , losing value far too quickly. Sometimes not even lasting beyond the payments of our credit cards! I remember when less meant more. More room to move about,more time to get out, more freedom with our money. So I recently had a yard sale and let others walk off with so many of my stored up treasures for pennies. I regained a closet & a garage & emptied out an extra room of things I can't even remember anymore. But someone somewhere is getting the recycled benefit of more for less.

Have we lost sight of the real treasures of everyday life? The ability to let go of something material helps us to make room for something in the spirit. Dare I say an awareness of the true substance of life. Our focus is no longer lustful, our hearts no longer greedy, our identities not hidden away under masses of material possesions.


I hope that while I am purging my closets, God will hold up the lamp of his truth about who He really sees me as, I'm sure he would rather not confuse me with label on my jeans. I think it's long overdue for me to remember that as long as the robe of Christs righteousness covers me I'm always dressed for success!