So my husband is thankful this year that we don't have any true spring cleaning to do this year. We have went through our house so many times, and got rid of everything that we don't use or barely used. I guess I hadn't really though about how freeing it was to get rid of our stuff until now.
Last June we decided that God was telling us to move so we packed up our things and waited, and waited, and three months later there were still boxes in our garage of stuff that we didn't use. We had about 25 boxes and decided that if we went without for a few months why do we need it. So, we got rid of about 1o boxes of stuff. We were able to give away lots of it, and also able to have a garage sale and make $200. I rather have the two hundred dollars and know I helped out some people than have boxes of unused stuff in my garage.
Over the years I think about all the things we accumulated that we taking up space and my energy. I say this because there is always sorting, putting away, and cleaning to do with your stuff. I think it is really funny how people think it is just amazing how I constantly keep my house cleaned. Truth be told, I don't. I only dust when I place something down and have fluff rise around it. I only mop my floor when my kids no longer slide in their socks on the kitchen floor- more like the sock stays put but the foot doesn't. Who honestly can be at home all day with three kids and homeschool and have time to keep their house spit-spot? But I always am asked how I do it. I think the simple answer is we don't have much stuff.
Sometimes I think I am depriving my children because between all three they only have a small three drawer cart and two deep shelves of toys. Oh, and books, lots of those. But I love to see them with out toys. They have wonderful imaginations I don't know if I would see if they did constantly have one in their hand. Even Gabe loves the games the girls play with a few blankets and a magical ribbon. An the glorious thing about it is they know before any holiday that they get to choose toys to give away or get rid of before they get to play with they new toys/gifts. This has taught them how to be generous and thankful all at the same time.
I am seeing how things can be a real distraction to true freedom. I always thought it would be nice to be able to have enough to give until my heart is content. I thought I had to have a lot of money or really nice things. I didn't realize that I had so much to give until I started to open my hands. I find it amazing that I have been able to give away a couch, two tables, and baby items, end tables, a washer in perfectly good working order. That is just the big items. I find it wonderful that the more I give the more I have. I am contantly cleaning out my kids drawers because they are too full and I can't get them shut. What a problem to have, especially because I haven't bought them clothes in two to three years. Another, freedom, I remember always asking the kids to pick up their toys and spending hours trying to do so. You don't have to deal with that if you don't have the stuff to argue about.
I find it interesting that my husband and I have very little, in fact by the world's standards we are considered poor by definition. But if we are so poor then how do we NEVER go without need, and are ALWAYS giving? We seem like we can't give it away fast enough sometimes. What a joy! Another cool thing about not having so many things is our house has become too big. I find it interesting that many people keep telling us our house is to small for them and there is only two of them. There are five of us and we can't fill the place. Now I don't say any of this to brag about what we have done but to show the work of the Father in us. It is very true-why worry or be anxious when the Creator of the Universe is taking care of you? I just pray that God will continually bless us so that we can continually bless him.
11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Phillippians 4:11-13
17Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 1 Timothy 6:17-18
7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 2 Corinthinans 9:7-9
