Organize This! Why Are We So Attached To Our Stuff and What Can We Do About It
Friday, February 4, 2011 at 7:00AM MAD21 By Stephanie Calahan (Calahan Solutions, Inc)
Stuff! Stuff! We have a lot of stuff! I have clients tell me all of the time that if they just bought a bigger place, things would be better. Of course, the flip side of that coin are the clients I have that did buy a bigger place and now tell me that they regret it because they have equally filled up the newer bigger space.
It is not about the size of our homes and offices. It is about how we view our stuff!
Ask Yourself: Does my home look like I could entertain Our Lord?
“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints.”
(1 Corinthians 14:33)
We Like to Buy and Consume
Clothing – When life gives you the blues, just shop, shop, shop for shoes! Americans spend an average of six hours per week shopping. Only 25% seek a specific item; 75% are looking to buy something without knowing exactly what that is. What exactly are we searching for?
Electronics – More than 75% of all computers sold remain in our closets, garages, office storage rooms and warehouses. The National Safety Council estimates: 236 million used computers (three of four Americans) and 375 million used cell phones (1+ for every US person)
Paper – The average American office worker uses one sheet of paper every 12 min. and a minimum of one ream every 20 days.
"Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions." (Luke 12:15)
So What Can We Do About All of This Stuff?
We can think of our things, or stuff, as Manna.
“Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day... And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, it is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat... And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less... they gathered every man according to his eating. And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning. Notwithstanding they harkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.” (Exodus 16:4-19)
This story teaches us that we should gather what we need. It tells us to share what we can for different people have different needs. Lastly, it tells us that hoarding will not be fruitful for us. By keeping more than we need, it goes bad.
Consider looking at your things like Manna. Keep and use what you need now. Let others use what you don’t need now. Your future needs will be supplied in the future. God will be sure to direct you to a fresh supply of whatever it is that you need at that time.
When we keep things out of fear, we are not trusting.
The Israelites had to trust in God to have their daily needs met – food, clothing, etc. By eliminating the overflow of items in our homes or offices, we are making space for new and better things. When we really begin to trust and rely on Him, he will show us what he has in store for us.
Let’s take paper for example. Do you save a lot of paper because you might need the information some day? If you do, you are not alone. However, consider this, if you keep that medical information for three years and then reference it again, is it still good? I would venture to say it has gone bad, just like the Manna. If you let the information go when you no longer need it, more current information will be available when you do need it.
"I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints- but let them not return to folly.” (Psalm 85:8)
Maybe it is time that we take a Fast from our Clutter. What do you think?
To your success!
Stephanie is the founder and CEO of Calahan Solutions, Inc. She is a nationally known speaker, media personality, author, publisher, productivity & organization consultant, and business coach. She believes that organizing is about making time and room for what is important to you and that life was meant to be lived. Stephanie lives in Illinois with her husband, 9-year-old son and Havanese puppy. You can find her on Twitter and at Productive and Organized, Daily Productivity Tips, and at Stephanie Calahan.
Organization in Organize This!
Reader Comments (2)
I'm taking on the clutter one room per month. Last month was the master bedroom. This month I'm taking it easier with the kitchen, Thanks for the advice.
Helen -
Bravo! One step at a time will get you there in good time. As you look through your kitchen ask yourself "when was the last time I used this utensil/container/appliance? If it has been a REALLY long time, consider letting it go. For example, we were given a slew of candy molds from my mom. About a month ago I looked at that box and said "you know, we had loads of fun making candy as kids, but I have never used these with my son. He is now 9 years old. What are the odds I will?" I came to the conclusion that was just not an activity that was going to happen and we should give the molds to someone that would USE them.
To your success!
Stephanie