I realized, as I looked over the contents of my estate sale, that I have too damn much stuff. I realized how mindlessly I’d been living when I saw everything I still possessed spread out all over the house. There were things I forgot I owned or never used. If I’d deemed something to be “valuable,” I’d put it away in a safe place, where I never saw it or used it again. I remembered my husband exclaiming, “It’s a collector’s item. Keep it!” Some things I didn’t recall even owning, or haven’t used more than twice in years. For sure, I wasn’t going to drag all this to Tennessee. Otherwise, I may as well just stay in Rochester and keep on keeping on.
No more. I’m stepping into a new life in a new state, and I’m doing it unburdened. I have things to do, people to cherish and a God-given purpose, whatever it is. I’m sure He’ll let me know when I’m ready.
No, a new life beckons and I’m traveling into it light! I mentioned that to my friends who’ve been down this road and they just laughed at me. Apparently, I’ll accumulate new stuff. Maybe, but I vow I will use everything I purchase and will not be surprised in five years that I own it.
Like the hoarder who can’t find the door anymore, having too much stuff is limiting. It needs to be stored, cleaned, and, as I discovered to my dismay, is desired by no one. People don’t want fine china? Where are the folks who informed me that my hutch was a rare antique? And how much time will it take to find that thingamajig that I know I have …somewhere?
What if I’d thrown my hands in the air and said I couldn’t part with any of this and it’s too much to pack? My future would look like my present. That may comfort some, but it would be an existential death sentence for me. What would I fail to do that I could have if I were free of “stuff?” What new horizons beckon that have no room (literally) for things?
Sometimes, it’s not too many things that tie us down. It may be fear, or our attachment to treasured objects of our past. And there’s nothing wrong with that. I suspect most of us want to keep things just as they are and embrace the well-known and well worn.
I get that and am probably an odd one who looks ahead and not behind. You see, I can’t do anything about the past, but the future is full of possibilities. I need to let go so I can grab on.
Go or stay, I believe God uses us wherever we are. I just don’t want a life-time accumulation of things to interfere with my decision.
And to be honest, I don’t miss the stuff. I feel lighter and freer already.
Sue I love this blog! It is so relatable! We have been trying to ‘let go’ also and it’s hard!
DI think I can use it, I remember grandma using it, it’s still good……I could go on and on with excuses! I want to have a garage sale, but it is too much work for the amount I get out of it. The bottom line is I don’t need the stuff and the girls don’t want it either! Why then dump it on someone else.
We are cleaning out and will also be lighter! It is such a freeing feeling and it is things we don’t need and won’t miss! Plus..a bonus..it is less to clean and organize!
I also won’t be haunted that the girls won’t be someday saying, “why did Mom and Dad have all this junk!”
Carl was so happy to get some of Gene’s books from your sale.
It was so good to see you at Hope when you were here. Please keep in touch!
Love,
Sandy
I smiled at all your comments. So true! It IS freeing. I think the key is: let go so you can grab on (to the next part of your life, or what God has in mind for you to do).
Glad Carl bought the books he wanted. Yes, we will stay in touch!
I love your mantra, “Let go so you can grab on!” I too have been a little shocked that my kids didn’t really want any of my beloved “chotskies” that I have kept for years. Actually they have coveted chotskies of their own that contribute to the styles of their homes. I haven’t the heart to tell them that in time items you can’t take with you are really dispensable! Bet your new place looks great and has its own aura!
There was a priest who died in 911 while anointing people who had jumped from the towers. His name was Fr. Micheal Judge. He had a prayer that went “ Father for today – lead me where you want me to go, let me meet who you want me to meet, and let me say what you want me to say”.
I know that is your focus on your new adventure in life and I have found that to be mine as well.i recently bought a book out of Radio Bible class ministries written by a woman who was a mom, and grandma. Her kids and grandchildren were out in their own lives and she wasn’t on their radar any more. The title of her book is “ Do I Still Matter”
I love it and I’ll bet you would too. You have always been a servant for our Lord and His people and will matter all the days and years coming!
Blessings,
Carl
Thank you, Carl, for your words of encouragement. Ever since I pinned your letter to the editor to my computer, You’ve been a role model for me about stepping into new horizons.