Thoughts on Decluttering continued...
We were on a family retreat with our parish this weekend. The boys loved romping through the woods. Brennan and Nicholas got to go on their first ever canoe ride with Dad. And Philip became best friends with the camp goose. Actually, I am not sure if the "friendship" was a two way street. It would be more accurate to say that Philip loved the goose and spent the weekend stalking it. I bet that poor thing is glad we are home again!
The talks this weekend centered on the Beatitudes. It dawned on me that I had not ever studied them in depth. And they can be quite deep. Each family was challenged to live out a Beatitude this Lenten season. We chose the first - "Blessed are the poor in spirit".
It is interesting on how things sneak up on me. I don't believe that our family has that much in the way of material goods because, after all, look at what so and so has. The clutter builds, and I think that we need more space to store the things.
Last month we began systematically going through each room of our house, getting rid of that which is not necessary. The family room and master bedroom are done. I am surprised at how hard it has been. Yet it has also been freeing at the same time. I am beginning to understand just why Christ asked His followers to leave what they had. I also know that this must have been excruciating. After all, I am having difficulty giving up items that are much less significant. How could they have left it all behind?
Our family may be out of our league with this "Blessed are the poor in spirit" business! At least I am! But I do know that God appreciates any effort I give, however small. Someone shared with me that "Clutter in the home is clutter in the heart.". My goal for this Lenten season is to free up both my home (nd my heart) so that I can truly offer it all up to Him. That is my resolution for this Lenten season.
As a part of the fun, I am going to keep track of just how many van loads of stuff we can haul out of here. So far the count is two!
posted by Mom of boys @ 3:19 PM
3 Comments:
I want to know what all you are finding to get rid of. I would love a low down of a bag or two. I know I am good at prugin, but even I sometimes wonder, "what do I hold on to that I do not need?" Glad your retreat went great. See you soon!
Good for you!
I found Flylady.net to be a life-saver when it comes to trying to keep my home clutter-free. And with our recent move, you should have seen all the stuff that went flying out the door... when we were packing AND unpacking.
I try to go through the kids' rooms every 6 weeks or so, although I have to admit that the Master Bedroom is one of the last to get de-cluttered and cleaned.... something to work on. Thanks for the inspiration.
:)
Good for you! I know that I have such a hard time getting rid of stuff. It leaves me with this feeling of guilt over the money that was spent on it. But at least donating, rather than throwing out makes me feel better.
We did a huge declutter and dispose of when we moved here. Now I am wondering as we prepare to move again, how much more will go. Hopefully lots more.
I think it is great that you are getting it all done.
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