“And He said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’” – Luke 12:15
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21
Everything we own requires a piece of our time and attention.
I have a hard time getting rid of stuff, but I’m working on my attachment issues. If something might prove useful someday, I want to hold on to it. Unfortunately, my hubby is no better at decluttering than I am. Sentimental stuff is a big Achilles heel for us, too.
After 25 years in this house, we’re not ready for an episode of “Hoarders,” but there are definitely spaces that are so crammed with items that I can’t find what I need. In some spots, I have so much stuff that it’s hard to function.
I’ve written before about why we hold on to stuff, and I even held my own 30-day decluttering challenge. And still I struggle.
Then there’s shopping for new things. As I scroll through social media, I see the ads and the influencers and all those lovely items of clothing or décor. My email inbox is crammed with deals that end at midnight. And online shopping makes it all too easy.
Because of all my clutter issues, I purchased a course called “Take Your House Back.” It’s mostly motivation to clear those closets, cabinets and surfaces. I found out about the course because I’m a big fan of Dana K. White from A Slob Comes Clean. I’ve bought her books and listened to almost all of her 288 podcasts. She gets me, and she has helpful advice that works with my easily distracted brain. I haven’t been diagnosed with ADHD, but I have a lot of the tendencies. Squirrel!
Anyway, Dana is hosting the class with Cas from Clutterbug and Dawn from Minimal Mom. I wrote about Cas Arsson’s four clutterbug organizing styles. Go take her fun quiz at clutterbug.me! I still don’t see myself as a minimalist, but I’m seeing the value of having fewer things.
Cas said that she had an epiphany: holding on to things she’s not using is selfish. If I donate items, especially those in good condition, they can be used and appreciated by someone who truly wants them and might really need them.
A fast for Lent… from shopping
As I started to get rid of items, I still found myself drawn to shiny new things. But what about all the possessions I already have? I began to feel conflicted about shopping. The little rush from a new top or candle didn’t seem quite as potent.
Then I ran across a podcast from Lisa Whittle at “Jesus Over Everything,” or “J.O.E.” She was urging listeners to do a shopping fast for Lent. I knew I couldn’t totally stop shopping because of our master bath project and our upcoming inaugural camping trip in our new travel trailer. But I could hit pause on clothing, makeup and unnecessary home purchases.
The shopping fast is changing the way I view ads and a lot of social media. I’m realizing how much time I tend to spend “window shopping” online. At the moment, I’m mostly avoiding those digital rabbit trails.
All of it is reminding me to not put too much focus on things. What matters in the long run? Relationships. My relationship with God and with other people. My chief goal should be to love God and love others, and I don’t want to allow stuff to take up too much of my mental and emotional bandwidth.
That’s why I’m working on getting rid of stuff AND hitting the pause button on optional purchases. Instead of buying a new top, I’m looking at the clothing I already own and putting together different combos that I hadn’t considered before.
And rather than going to Hobby Lobby and stocking up on 40 percent off Easter décor, I’m digging through my craft stashes in drawers and cabinets to pull out the springtime items I already have.
It’s like I’m shopping my own closet and shopping my own house to find pretty things I already own. And I’m taking a moment to be thankful for what I have, which is a lot!
How do we escape the trap of materialism?
Here are five practices that I’m finding helpful.
1. Give stuff away. Whenever I give things away, I’m cutting a thread of materialism.
2. Be quick to share what I have. Whenever I share a possession, I’m learning how to value the relationship over the resource.
3. Be grateful for what I have. Whenever I am grateful for my well-used stuff instead of buying something new, I’m practicing contentment.
4.People over possessions. Whenever I focus on those around me instead of stuff, I’m reminded of what matters most.
5. Find delight in what I can never own. Whenever I enjoy creation and praise the Creator, I’m drawing closer to God.
I’d love to hear from you, dear reader, if you struggle with stuff, and what you do about it.
Meanwhile, I’m trying not to plan what I will buy after Easter and praying that I persevere in focusing on what matters most.
Most folks know the Bible verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” but not we don’t often think of the verse that comes right before it. Here it is, straight from the Apostle Paul:
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:12-13
Let’s look to God to help us learn the secret of being content (hint: It’s only possible through our relationship with Him).
