by Jenny Harrison

“Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough.”   ~~Author Unknown

Stuff, clutter, junk…there are many names for it and in the last few days I have been in the mood to clean and cull out the unnecessary stuff in my home. Now I am not a pack rat by nature, but it is amazing how much stuff one can acquire after living in the same domicile for 20 years. It’s  like you wake up one day, take a gander into a closet or cubby and think, “How in the world did I end up with so much junk?”

I  began organizing the coat closet in the living room, which led me to the bathroom cabinets, then to the medicine cabinet that eventually led me to the pantry.  Can you see where I am going with this? Just seems never ending. In all the cleaning, I have filled numerous large trash bags with things to either throw away, give away, or donate.

I believe that this culling out is beneficial now and in the long run. One of the short term benefits is that I have reclaimed valuable storage space. Secondly, I won’t continue to buy items that I was unaware I  had due to them being buried far from my sight. The long term benefit does not really affect me. It is really a future convenience for my son. One day I will leave this earth and go home to my sweet Lord in heaven. I truly cannot bear the thought of leaving my only child with the burden of trying to make his way through my clutter and chaos. (just looking out for you sweet son of mine).

As I find immense pleasure in the cleaning of my external personal space, I can’t help but think about a more important cleaning; my internal clean up which is the cleaning out of my heart, spirit, and mind. Yes, I fully admit that this sister has a tendency to carry some serious mental cobwebs and debris. This is not at all uncommon and in fact is a normal human occurrence. However, many things that might be considered normal cannot be described as healthy.  This debris can come in the form of hurtful and defeating self messages, both old and new, that hinder our self esteem and ability to fully function.

I also find that my mind is cluttered and overstimulated with the world. So much so that I become drained and exhausted. It seems that much that enters in does not  replenish me. If not monitored, this stimulus tends to wear me down. These energy busters include, but are not limited to, my cell phone, business phone, email accounts, fax machines, texting, iPad, iPod, laptop, desk top, satellite radio, and television.

Part of the reason I have made the personal decision not to participate in facebook, linkedin, and twitter is that I find that these tend to use too much of my energy.
(Please understand that this is a personal choice at this time in my life and is not a condemnation of those who choose to use any or all of these social and marketing tools.)

Finding this simplicity and balance can be very tricky. One of my all time favorite books is titled Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver.  In this book, the author discusses how to find intimacy with God in the busyness of life.

This book can be ordered at http://www.amazon.com  (highly recommended).

I must confess that the desire to be a Mary at the feet of Jesus, and my Martha tendencies conflict and come into opposition with each other. Thus, I have a desire to simplify and clean my proverbial lenses.  This is completely necessary to avoid my mental stuff, junk, and clutter from interfering with the comfort and peace that only my Savior can provide. I take great comfort in the following passage in Proverbs:

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for Gods voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one that will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!  Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!

Proverbs 3:5-8 (MSG)

Now sisters, admit it, we could all use an abundant dose of glowing health and vibrant bones. Sounds like a much preferred alternative to mental and spiritual clutter and all of the adverse side effects. How about we claim this promise in the precious name of our God and Savior?

I will be writing again very soon. Until then, please take time to visit our website at www.jennyharrison.org. There you will find the bios on our newest contributors, Michelle Welch and Melinda Bloyd. Their offering to Christ through their written word will bless your heart.

In Christ,
Jenny