The Perks of Clearing out the Clutter

As the bible verse says at Matthew 6:19-21 (Good News Translation), “Do not store up riches for yourselves here on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and robbers break in and steal. Instead, store up riches for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and robbers cannot break in and steal. For your heart will always be where your riches are.” Remembering this verse does not make getting rid of stuff we don't need any easier, but thinking about what it will do for my family in the future helps to reflect upon. I want my heart to be with God and my loved ones and I intend to pursue that goal.

1. The extra room in our home will create peace of mind.

There will be more visual space to reflect and pray in our home. I often feel trapped and consumed amongst the possessions. Getting rid of physical things leaves room for the spiritual.

2. We can welcome uninvited visitors with open arms.

I would love to greet any unannounced guest with pure joy but feel unprepared at this point to do so. There is too much stuff to organize, and most of it, we could do without. The less stuff to clean, the easier cleaning should be.

3. Our possessions will be things that we love.

Any items that create guilt or other negative emotions will no longer have a hold on us. There will emotionally be room for rejoicing. Getting out of sight the things that harm us will also get them off our minds.

Decluttering and organizing is a continuous process that my family and I am working on. Maybe someday I will feel like possessions have less of a weight on me. Until then, I will pray to have the strength to let go of them and let God in.