The scale to which we must reduce chattels is major. It isn't so much that I've been a collector as such, more that I've been a saver. [You don't know what you might need next time round, in the next home etc.] Alas, it adds up to a houseful no matter how it is sated!
Hopefully, after this move this time, there will be no next time. Lord willing, from this new abode coming, we will simply lift off when we hear The Trumpet. No packing required. Or go underground to await that Trumpet. No packing required for that either.
How does one edit? Delete? (How I wish there was a 1-click button for this process.)
In the early years of the Home & Garden channel programing, one addressed out of control homes where clutter ruled. The family members were shown how to bring order out of chaos, how to let go, get rid of things.
The woman who led this was a gracious woman but ruthless. One of the phrases she oft repeated, when faced with an item on which much sentimental stress was placed "This is not your Mother" (or father, grandmother, etc). "Hold the memory", she said. "If necessary take a photo, but let go". Sterling advice to this professed Pilgrim. I'm trying. With all my profound and spiritually minded statements in times past, I humble acknowledge that I'm a clinger. I know its stuff. I know its temporal and "all going to burn." But still....
When it comes to closet and clothes editing, my daughter laughingly keeps before us both what Franciscan John Michael Talbot says when choosing the outfit for the day: "Shall I wear brown or brown"? Its not likely I'll reduce to that extent, but I'm aiming to make the maxim a reality: "Simplify, simplify, simplify".
So Dear Reader, this is where I've been and where you find me This Day. There are innumerable cartons to fill. Yet, in the days ahead I will have more thoughts and comments to make, no doubt. Bear with me and keep tuned in.
In the meantime, eendeavoring to ever keep before myself the absolute and certain fact that truly here we have no continuing City; and that we are looking forward to the City which has a fixed and firm foundation, whose Architect and Builder is God.
Yet, for now, looking forward to moving to the home of a much beloved daughter.
praying for you as you do this project. I know it is hard. Having been the one left with the left overs of my parents 55 years of marriage. my mother was a saver too.
ReplyDeleteBut when they both died in 2001 we were left with an apt. full of stuff and 3 storage units... that had not been touched in 10 years... i even found a basketball hoop from a home we moved out of when i was 6. and was never used again... Maybe your children can come claim some of what they want now... before it is overwhelming.
I am so happy that you are moving in with J. You will
be blessed doubly i am sure. But i am praying for easy releases.. of the things that are cherished.
bless you,
Thank you for the encouraging words, Becki. It is good to be parceling out the stuff to those who actually want it -from my house to theirs.
DeleteWhat is more, charity shops are my new best friends just now:)
footprints. Many footprints!
ReplyDeleteSimplify indeed! Amazing how as I go through closets, cupboards and drawers, I end up with piles of various ilk, and seems I make no headway! Yay for Treasures Thrift Store! Oi!
ReplyDeleteDearest Dame Judi and the Parson,
ReplyDeleteHusband and I were on the road for 15 days this month for holiday ("almost" NO work days) and with him at the wheel I did a little online time. I came across this blog post and if I were the driver we may have gone off the road; I had missed this entirely! I tried to comment then, but alas, mobile blogger is not friendly. I had seen allusions to a move on J's fb page and I asked her about it-- a confirmation was returned, but I had wondered how this had so quickly come about. Now I see you had talked about it 2 months ago. Forgive me for being unaware. My prayers now extended for wherever you may be in this traumatic moving of house. I look to the day when we will join after the trumpet sounds; however, in this time of no continuing city, I hope to yet sit at your table in your 28th temporary home. Much love. News of you is always appreciated.
I have neglected my work all day to read this entire blog, back to 2009. I had to be sure whose words I was reading, and, through references to family, I now know. There has been nothing since summer...I'm afraid to ask if The Patriarch still graces this earth. I have been through this loss myself, 13 years ago, and my heart grieves for you all, and for Julia especially. I hope your blog continues. It takes me to a place that is very different from the one in which I live. Blessings to you all, from a long-ago friend.
ReplyDeleteTeresa