Wednesday June 1 2016  GETTING RID OF “THINGS” AND THE JOY IT BRINGS

It is only 10:17 a.m. and I already have a topic for my blog.  Usually I come to the computer without a topic but my prayer time with the Lord set me on course today.  As my title indicates, it is again about getting rid of things.  If I bore you to tears on this topic just realize it too will end because eventually I will someday run out of things of which to discard.

What I have discovered is that each person’s dreams of a “simpler life” is different. For some, it may be to the extreme of living off the grid, to another downsizing the size of their home or moving into a condominium or apartment.  To others simplifying may mean staying right where they are and eliminating clutter of the unnecessary.  And to someone else it may just mean not doing, going, or being involved with so many outside endeavors.  And there will probably always be those who choose to live simpler by not doing anything at all differently than what they do already.

For me I have discovered that creating simplicity will take some effort.  So, I am choosing to do today what I would rather not have to do, so that in the future I can do what I would rather do.  And that something that I must do is disposing of all that is unnecessary for the life I want to carve out of the years I have left.  I have given deep soul searching as to what is important for me to accomplish before my race is complete.  As I spoke about recently, my desire is to leave a legacy behind me that will continue to bless others after I am gone. My legacy will not be riches or fame, but I hope the words I leave behind will comfort and inspire those who read them.  Daily I am working on my writing and I hope to publish some of my devotionals and poetry. I do this even as I go about the business of downsizing.  I find that it is all the little steps that lead to the finish line.

I believe that God is calling me forward to finish what I have begun.  I have books to compile and edit, I have accumulated bounty that must be sold or given away, I have two family photo albums to complete for my sister, and then all the photo work I would like to finish for my immediate family.  I have lives to minister to, people to comfort, many prayers to pray, and I desire to spend in quiet time with God.  It may sound like a lot but I will just take one day at a time and allow God to bring the people into my life that He chooses.  He always has a miraculous way of bringing people into my life, to both help and guide me, as well as those whose lives I can touch.

My focus must be on today in order to obtain my goal of simplifying.  Here is an excerpt from today’s journaling of what I believe the Lord was impressing upon my heart: “Stay focused on this day.  You are working for a goal and it will come in due time.  Be diligent with what must be done this day, this hour.  It is not to be looked at as a punishment of acquisition, but rather an eye opening experience that will teach you where to place your value.” 

Following is the poem that came after I finished my journal entry.

MORE TIME TO SPEND WITH FRIENDS

By Kathleen Martens

June 1, 2016  

What we own is but temporal lot

When all you want is more, more, more.

Things will eventually get the upper hand

And your spirit will cease to soar.

Look around and count the cost

At the hours of labor you’ve worked

So you could add just one more thing,

Which after a time you simply shirk.

As the mess grows higher and higher

And spreads in all directions,

You are no longer master of what you own

And for your stuff you lose affection.

But to get rid, just how is it done

With so many memories wrapped in things?

Touch it once and give it away,

Let people be the joy memory brings.

Think about what is really important

In the course of all you do.

Is it the things that you collect?

Or family and friends that come through?

Take a picture and let things go,

Tuck shared memories deep in your heart.

And when all the stuff is gone,

Memories of togetherness will not depart.

And your soul will feel much lighter,

Your purpose and goals will surface again.

You’ll have more time to leave your legacy

And more time to spend with friends.

My scripture for today:  Psalms 19:12-14

¹² But who can discern their own errors?
    Forgive my hidden faults.
¹³ Keep your servant also from willful sins;
    may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
    innocent of great transgression.

¹⁴ May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
    be pleasing in your sight,
    Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Have a wonderful day today discovering the simpler life that most suits you.

GOD BLESS YOU!