"The more possessions, the more worry" Hillel
A small child fills his pocket with seashells as he toddles along the beach. A young boy counts his allowance- one more time- to make sure he has enough for that next coveted pack of baseball cards. A teenage girl places yet another stuffed bear on the already overcrowded comforter on her bunk bed. The sesire to acquire is a battle that begins in childhood and continues into old age.
While you may gain a certain joy in hunting for yet another painting of Elvis on black velvet or a junker car you feel compelled to bring back to life, you will pay a price. And that price is not just what disappears from your wallet. You pay the price in the time you spend shopping for, cleaning, repairing, and eventually disposing of the treasures you choose to fill your home.
Jesus may have been called many things during his time here on earth, but he was never called a pack rat. Though the last three years of his life were spent traveling, the Gospels don't mention Jesus picking up even one souvenir along the way. He encouraged his disciples to travel light, leaving their extra staffs and tunics and even money behind. Granted, Jesus and his disciples depended on the generosity of those in the villages they visited to meet their physical needs. First and foremost, however, they chose to live a simple life, possessing only what they needed for their mission.
Living a simple life isn't synonymous with taking a vow of poverty. But making prayerful purchases and being resolute in getting rid of things you no longer need will help you go a long way toward cleaning up the clutter in your life. If something without having to own it. Most importantly, keep the unique mission God has given you in this life clearly in mind. Then, let your home be a reflection of that purpose.
One Final Thought With God's help, your heart should determine how much your hands will hold.
Labels: ... Conquering Clutter ... |
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