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Are you a good steward of your stuff? That means living within your means and without excess, taking care of and respecting your home, and sharing with others when you have more than you need. Here are some concepts to thoughtfully consider as you strive for a more organized and faithful life.
We don't have to keep up with the Joneses
"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
It's difficult in today's society to not feel the pressure to buy more, be more, and have more. In 1950, the average American home measured about 1,200 square feet. Today, it's doubled in size to about 2,400, with many homes measuring twice that (or more) in some communities. Fancy cars, designer clothes and shoes, and all the latest smart phones tempt us to try to keep up with those we admire or aspire to be. Just remember that the more we have, the more we have to maintain. Where do you want to spend your time, money, and resources? Take some time this week to figure out what truly makes you happy, and you'll likely find that it's not the stuff, but the experiences and people that you love. If you're buying things because of the little "high"you feel, try to replace that shopping time with a volunteer activity or other healthy habit. If you feel your shopping is getting out of control, it might be time to consult a therapist who specializes in addictions. (A good resource to start with is with the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation: www.ocfoundation.org.)
We should share when we have excess (and even when we don't)
"In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" - Acts 20:35
Look around your home. Is there any area where you have an abundance? You'll probably recognize some areas where you could downsize. Seasonally, clean out your closets and donate items that no longer fit, aren't in fashion, or simply are not loved. Whether you drop them off at a local homeless shelter, take them to Goodwill, or share them with a needy neighbor, your cast-offs will be put to good use. Remember the in/out rule: When you purchase something new, get rid of a similar older item. Buying a new book? Out goes an old one. Ordering a new set of towels? Then donate some old ones to a women's shelter. When you clean out your space, you will have less to clean, a little more breathing room in your closets and drawers, and a happy feeling that you helped someone in need. Of course, even when we're not drowning in excess, it's important to share what we have with others. What can you provide to someone in need today?
We should take care of what we have
"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." - Proverbs 14:1
No matter the size of your home and what's inside, it's important to take good care of our blessings. How we maintain, clean, and organize our space says a lot about how we feel about ourselves. If our homes are in a state of overwhelm, we are probably feeling stressed out and overloaded. Take a look around your home. Are there spaces that need a little TLC? Set aside time in the coming weeks and months to tackle problem areas. De-clutter, clean, set up new systems, and maintain your home so that it always looks presentable and respectable. If you need help getting started, contact your professional organizer for non-judgemental guidance.
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