Decluttering is a journey

by Tina Y. Gerber - McCurley

Most of my friends, column followers, and family know I have been decluttering my home, since the pandemic began. However, it is more than that. It took me several years of trial and error, but, I have learned how to let go and let God direct my steps.

Decluttering is also a powerful tool for self-discovery. It can benefit your mental health, helping you become calmer, happier, and feel more in control. It allows us to clean our space physically, streamlines our use of energy, and clears the mind as well. Decluttering is about intentional living, mindful habits, and being conscious about where you are in life, (ie. accepting there is blessing in where you are but not settling for the rest.)

As a believer, I have come to know, I need to pursue God daily, through His Word and through every life circumstance, this includes the decluttering process. Every experience, or decision I have ever made, whether a positive or negative, made me into the person I am today. My Mother was a true example of following the teachings in God's Word, which include love, compassion, forgiveness and serving others.

In a discussion with my friend last week, she said, "sometimes I'd love to just leave my life behind and go!" As I reflected I thought, 'I could not imagine leaving my children behind.' She wondered if her life had purpose and meaning. I listened, mostly, and eventually told her, finding her purpose can be a deeply and rewarding journey, yet it is a personal and unique experience for everyone. 

Why do some of us resist change while others embrace it?

Purpose gives our lives a meaning; most often, individuals recognize this to some degree. I discovered much of my purpose many, many years ago but, as others, will continue to face challenges, apparent setbacks, health conditions or illness and as all, even death. However, it is different for each person and reflects the many paths they have travelled along the way. For instance, my divorce led me back to school and into many new adventures. My work injury led me to writing for The Standard. A new Church Family helped me understand and serve the Lord better.

I told my friend, 'It is important to follow God's will, to seek out a personal relationship with God, study, pray for guidance and live according to His teachings.' I hope my friend has the opportunity to decide what really matters to her. I pray she will seek His face.

One of my favourite scriptures addresses this. In Ephesians 3:16-19, it shows how when we pray for others God may, “grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. - that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may... know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge". ESV

She feels she has no support, guidance, or energy to complete such a huge task of decluttering her home, alone. I reminded her she is not alone.

Ultimately, decluttering is about creating space, with less stuff weighing a person down and freeing ones self to relate less encumbered with others. After she engages, she will have more time and energy for things which matter the most.

What do you want most out of this life?