I went several months ago to a women's conference with a session titled something like how to loose 300 pounds in a week. Well I thought it was going to be about shedding the clutter in our hearts and how it affects our spiritual lives etc. Oh boy was I wrong, it was literally about shedding clutter, not from our hearts but from our homes. I discovered this before the speaker even began speaking, the garbage bags under our seats were a tip off. I was so overcome with dread I wanted to leave. I did not want to be preached at about how I keep house and my piles of clutter. What difference does that really make.
Because I am a pastors wife and people from my church were sitting with me I didn't feel like I could get up and leave,(the fact that the district superintendents wife was the one teaching the class may have also kept me glued to my chair.) I am so glad I stayed, it wasn't a hugely spiritual renewal or deep revelation about God but it was so practical. She talked about all the extra stuff we have and how it weighs us down and even how it can affect our children's ability to learn.
Why am I telling you all of this and did I do anything with what I heard is what your saying. I did come home and clean out several junk drawers,(yes several, not one but several) I also boxed up about twelve boxes of toys and clothes. I felt pretty good about myself until stuff started getting cluttered again. I think it is a decision we have to make, THROW IT AWAY!!! If you haven't seen it, let alone used it in a year you don't need it.
I have begun the process again, this time with several more trash bags in hand. It feels good getting rid of things and it really does free up space in your mind. I really think there is truth to this, the less we have to worry about, find a place for, and pick up the more room we have to think about things that are really important.
After we declutter our homes it is good to declutter our hearts and minds, we need to make room for the new things God has for us.
This is the third day of school for Olivia and Caleb. Wednesday, the first day, I didn't even cry. That is a first for me. Typically the first day of school is spent with me in tears the entire day, this year I kissed them both and waved good bye. They needed to get back into their routine, I needed to get back to mine as well. In the three days they have been back I have looked at my WIP more then I had over half the summer.
There is something to be said about routines. The only way I get things done, bible reading, writing, cleaning is when I consistently do it regardless of what else needs done.
Hopefully it won't be to much longer before all of the work has paid off and my book is ready to submit.
