Material Possessions

Whew,

I finally have an operating computer again. So, back to blogging it is!

I talked about Simplicity a lot last year- that was my goal. I was so into the little details that I forgot to tell you about the SIMPLE message of the whole process (ironic, yes).

I was aiming to simplify
1. My material possessions
2. Schedule
3. Thoughts and emotions

I was able to do all three a good bit. But I've noticed, as this new season of life is creeping up on me that clutter has quietly threatened to reappear. Oh no, us simplified are much to savvy to let THAT happen.

I'm packing ....for the 7th time in 2 years... this weekend. This time, it seems I will be able to settle for a while. *SIGH. OF. RELIEF* As I am going through my things I was reminded of my experience last year.

When I began my blog I was determined to simplify in all ways. And I started with my schedule as the big biggie, I changed my life. I learned what it felt like to have a schedule with empty space. As this life change was taking place, I went through my clothes and things and tried to be honest about what I didn't wear or use (but carried from place to place anyway). I was a brutal, brutal purger - I did need supervision however, a fellow purger to make sure I didn't make excuses.

I ended up with a box of stuff, two bags of clothes, and some shoes. I put a post on Facebook about what I had. Within one day, I had two messages: two girls, both the right size, one needed dress clothes and the other needed casual clothes. One was pregnant and changing sizes, the other had a new job with a new dress code and not a lot of money. The next day, I got a post from someone who needed the shoes. I was able to give to some one's NEED exactly, and be part of the Project of God's provision through the Body, by getting rid of my own excess. I am reminded of this as I am packing again to get rid of the things I am holding on to for no reason, because I don't know that someone else doesn't NEED what I have.

It gets me thinking. Happier is the giver than the receiver, says the Bible- the joy that one receives from giving goes just a little bit deeper than that which comes to those who receive. Not to say the gift doesn't bring immense joy, our course it does! But receiver may not have that thing forever, while the giver sees a new side of themselves that doesn't hold to things too tightly, the giver becomes something. That is eternal. Give, friends, let's give!!

I can't say that I have been an expert on simplification this year- but the blessings carried over as I had to move a few times and I definitely had less to worry about. God had a different theme for my life for this year. It was amazing!!!! The lessons that I learned in my season of "simplicity" were able to support the lesson this year. Ironically, the theme of this year was "abundance" and boy did God follow through on that. But before it all happened I had to learn to not be attached to things as much, or maybe I just had to do some stuff-ventory on my mind, heart, and closet before abundance would do me any good.

In conclusion, give away what you don't need, or don't use, your house will feel cleaner and you will feel lighter! And someone will be so so grateful that you are giving that particular thing away at the exact time that they need it... Unless it's like a VCR Rewinder... and I honestly don't know a soul who needs that. Just get rid of it! Maybe someone we don't know will need it at the goodwill. ;)

Have a great day!