Stuff
Sorting stuff is painful. It’s exhausting. Yet, in some ways, it’s like losing weight. Every agonizing pound that comes off is so liberating!
I’ve been listening to the podcast Life Zero and trying to soak in some of the principles. I do not agree with everything I read there (for sure!!!), but I find that there are many valid points regarding living simply.
Yesterday I sorted through our towel collection. I filled a huge box with old ratty towels that we almost never use. Even so, it was amazingly difficult to push the box into the garage sale pile. I kept thinking of all the reasons why I needed to keep a collection of old towels. I can’t believe what a hold those towels had on me! But finally, I released my grip on the box, stepped back, and marveled at the free feeling of not having a huge pile of old towels to keep organized. I also thought about how nice it will be to have a smaller pile of towels in the bathroom that we will not have nearly as much trouble keeping tidy.
Today I worked on my kitchen utensils. I won’t even start on the agony of choosing between two spaghetti servers or multiple measuring cups. I think I need to go see my therapist before I go any further in my sorting.
Posted in Everyday | 
4 Comments »
June 27th, 2008 at 10:28 am
After you see your therapist, be sure to pass on the advice to me. I need it!
June 27th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Oh, before you get rid of any of your kitchen stuff, let me see what you are parting with, o.k.? My upstairs and basement kitchens are full, but just in case I ever get that cottage in the woods I’ve been dreaming of…well, I know I will need more stuff!
June 27th, 2008 at 11:09 am
One set of measuring cups, one of each kitchen specialty item (such as spaghetti servers), one towel per person, plus some extras for guests is very freeing indeed! Here in Taiwan that’s the way it has been for us…One set of sheets per bed. One hook for each person’s towel to hang on. It’s amazing how God has provided all we’ve needed for us and guests without a lot of unused stuff laying around in boxes or being hard to find. I love it! For the last few military moves we lessened and lessened and I’m so glad. But I’m sure I’ll have my eyes opened to how to simplify even more when I get back. May the LORD bless all our efforts to live free from excess “stuff”!
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:40 pm
I just had to chime in also. I am in the same sort of adventure at the Bobwhite House.
It is good to have loved ones that understand the struggle and finally the freedom.
Thanks for the encouragment.