It hasn’t been that long since Mitch and I have moved into this house. I sometimes think the memory of the pain of moving all of our stuff from one place to the other lasts longer than the pain of childbirth.
Over the last several years, our friends had wisely already taken several loads to Montana. But what they had left still took up the better part of a 26-foot U-Haul truck. It gave Mitch and I pause.
We collect a lot of stuff in our lifetimes. Some stuff helps make our lives more efficient and praise God for it. Some things, however, we can’t live without when purchased, years later just take up space in the basement or attic.
No Better Off
If all we are is a measure of how many possessions we leave behind when we die, then we are no better off than the rich man. Jesus tells this parable in Luke 12:16-20. Jesus tells us he built bigger barns to store all his goods and grain. When he finished, he said to himself, “You have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink and enjoy yourself.”
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared – whose will they be?’”
Mitch and I agreed that it is time for us to begin purging our stuff – those belongings near and dear to us that we cannot live without but have not used for years. After all, when we die, there will not be any U-Hauls following us into Heaven.
Have you come to a time of reckoning with your material belongings? You can tell me about it at Lifting Her Voice, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. I promise, your secret is safe with me…
Death Cleaning!!!!!!
I am definitely a fan and enjoy doing it! I don’t have much of a problem with ridding our household of all the stuff. In fact, I know I could easily live in our RV with limited stuff.
It started for me with my first apartment. I loved a bedroom featured on the cover of Apartment Life. But there was nary a dust collector in that picture. It was painful, but all the trinkets and mementos got stored. Next step was easier. Throwing them away didn’t mean I didn’t care or had forgotten. The memories were alive but I didn’t have to dust them. Or trip over them. Or move them. But the learning how little I needed to live? That came much more recently when Mitch and I started to travel in earnest. I can go to Europe for 2+ weeks with carry-on only. It definitely translates over into home. Everything is perpetually in danger of being in the trash bin. By the way, please don’t send me a dust collector. Well wishes are just as appreciated in an email! 🙂