Lately, I’ve been drawn to the idea of “stuff is not your friend.” Not in the minimalist way but in the fact that it is a distraction. It occupies space in my heart and mind requiring time, attention, and care, leaving less time for what really matters.
On a pilgrimage to Assisi a few years ago, Saint Francis encouraged me to live simply.
I’m working on clearing out the clutter, physically and spiritually. This excess leads to distraction. Yesterday in spiritual direction, I was given the grace to wake up to how this clutter feeds the part of myself that thinks I’m separate from God. It feeds disconnection.
Do I have something because I use it or it brings me joy or am I hanging onto it because someday I might need it or fit into it again out of fear of lack? Being present to the material items in my care and being a good steward to these items is about intention not quantity.
That wonderful high end jewelry I used to wear daily but don’t anymore, I gave it to my daughter to enjoy. Half my closet, I gave to a friend to ship to people in Guatemala to use. I still have too much.
Do I really need all the clothes options in my closet or can I give them to the nonprofit who helps clothe women for job interviews? I’ve lived most of my life collecting things and I’ve awakened to how this gets in the way. The spiritual exercise I’m finding that having only what I need gives me freedom to focus on what’s important and allows me to trust that I will have what I need in the future as well!
Smitten With Goodness 