This morning I woke up thinking about simplifying my life. Then I go to my friend Amanda's blog and the title of her post today is Less is More. My first thought was great minds think alike. Then I realized that nothing happens by chance and God has brought Amanda into my life for a reason. One of the reasons is that we learn from each other. (There are many reasons and if you know Amanda you understand that! I think of her as the sister I never had.) And one thing I am learning from her is to let go and enjoy the simple things.
For some time now I have been convicted of my “hoarding” habit. I keep things “just in case”, knowing I will never use it. In the back of my mind I have realized that these things are keeping me from enjoying my life. I wake up to clutter, feel overwhelmed by all the upkeep that I need to do just to keep things in order, and realize that regardless of how much time I spend on my home it never looks neat. This summer I am devoting time each day to decluttering. After all, it is just “stuff”. Stuff that holds me back from living with less upkeep and more space. Why would I hang on to something that holds me back?
There is also the issue of saving money. I like to think I am frugal but when I really think about it there are so many areas where I could spend less. We live in a world of convenience. We want pre-made foods and cleaning products, drive through windows where we can pick up meals, and fancy games and movies to entertain our children. All of these things come with a price. We spend more money on these items because someone else did the work. More time must be spent making money for these purchases. More time away from our precious children. Letting go of the rat race to have more and do more will free our time to spend on the important things in life. For example this past year we have saved so much money simply making our own laundry detergent. (Thanks Julie for the recipe!) Yes, it took a little more time than simply picking it up at the grocery store. But it also gave me time with Hope. She loves to help mommy with this job.
Not only did we save money but we spent time together, time I didn’t have to entertain her with one of those expensive games or running her to some activity. And she is learning a valuable lesson. Time at home, caring for our family, and enjoy the blessings God has given us brings so much more peace that the things the world has to offer.
Yes Amanda is right, less is more. Benjamin Franklin said, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” And I didn’t even have to leave my family to do it.
4 comments:
Little things like making your own detergent save a lot of money. I am sure there are many,many more. It takes time and lots of thought to do these things for me because I almost get in a habit of being wasteful with things.
I have a small hoarding problem, too. I am learning that memories are in my head and heart and don't have to be in my hands. We bought my grandparents old house (after they passed away) with alot of their belongings still in it. I haven't wanted to get rid of anything because of the memories they held. I started a scrapbook of photos of the more important items and writing my memory beside it. Then listed the items on freecycle.org It has helped me out alot. Now to attack the clutter in the basement- Good luck with cleaning this summer!
~ Kristina
Amanda, It does require being thoughtful. I tend to waste lots of food. For example, if I only use half the onion in a recipe I end up throwing out the other half.
Kristina, I like that, memories are in our head and heart they don't have to be in our hands.
Kristina, I too have learned to let go of those "sentimental things" Most all of our furniture is from my great grandmother and I have recently started giving things away that Idon't use. it is very hard, but I am realizing that I can't take it with me when I go.
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