Embracing Freedom: A Christian's Guide to Letting Go

Life Over Stuff: Finding Freedom in Simplicity

Our homes are meant to be places where we live, rest, and recharge. However, they often feel more like storage units for our belongings. You might have random piles of items without a designated home, too many clothes crammed into your closet, or kitchen counters cluttered with items that make meal prep a chore. Bins filled with generational items may take up valuable space in your garage. Too much stuff can weigh us down, making our homes feel heavy and overwhelming. Many of my clients have felt paralyzed by their clutter, wishing for a better way but feeling too overwhelmed to make changes. If this resonates with you, I want to offer you hope and encouragement.

Counter space in the kitchen

Mindset Shift for Letting Go

I've often heard the saying, "We can choose to have more stuff or live more life." When I feel weighed down by clutter, a good decluttering session can bring me freedom and lightness. However, it took time to reach this mindset. As a professional organizer, I’ve learned to examine the value I place on my belongings. As a Christian, I’ve also pondered God's purpose for my home.

Treasures in Heaven

Placing too much value on our belongings, even the sentimental ones, can be a trap. It distracts us from what’s truly important. Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…” (Matthew 6:19). This encourages us to hold our possessions loosely and focus our energy on people. Everything we have here will eventually pass away; we can’t take it with us. What we do for others in love lasts into eternity. Stuff won’t bring us security, even though it may seem that way initially. Too soon, the novelty and security wear off. I’m not suggesting we need to become minimalists; rather, we should assign appropriate value to our belongings.

More Space for God

When we are burdened by too much stuff, it can feel like our possessions are constantly demanding our attention. They can drain our time, energy, and even money. We may find ourselves with little left to invest in rest, connection, worship, and ministry. This clutter can prevent us from setting aside quiet moments to listen for God’s voice. However, we can take control of our possessions and create space to hear His calling.

Let me share an example from one of my clients. She is a busy mom who reached out to me for help in releasing clutter and establishing systems in her home. She wanted her family to function better, with everything having a designated place, allowing her to feel peaceful in her space. After we finished, she expressed her long-held desire to host a Bible study or small group in her home. Now that her home is organized and inviting, she finally sees that it’s possible.

Created for Community

This brings me to my next point: we were created for community. We are meant to do life together. Yet, when we feel embarrassed about the state of our homes, it can lead to isolation. This isolation prevents us from sharing with and receiving from others. I’ve met clients in this exact situation. They often feel hopeless and avoidant, yet deep down, they long for change. They want to feel comfortable showing hospitality. By casting off excess belongings and creating order, we can make that possible.

Worship the Giver

Ultimately, our homes are gifts from God. Everything we have truly belongs to Him. We can honor Him and show our gratitude by caring for our homes, letting go of excess, and creating space for Him to fulfill His purpose for our homes. In doing so, we worship the giver, not the gift. Instead of gathering, keeping, managing, and storing more and more stuff, we can let go and truly live and thrive in our homes.

Embracing a New Perspective

As we navigate the journey of decluttering, it’s essential to embrace a new perspective. This shift can be transformative. Start by identifying the items that truly bring you joy and serve a purpose in your life. Ask yourself if each item aligns with your values and goals. This process can help you make more intentional choices about what to keep and what to let go.

The Benefits of Decluttering

Decluttering offers numerous benefits beyond just creating a tidy space. It can reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus, and enhance your overall well-being. A clean and organized environment can lead to increased productivity and a greater sense of peace. When your home reflects your values and priorities, it can become a sanctuary where you can thrive.

Taking Action

If you’re ready to take action, start small. Choose one area of your home to declutter. Set a timer for 15 or 30 minutes and focus solely on that space. Sort items into categories: keep, donate, and discard. This approach can make the process feel less overwhelming. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remember that every step counts.

Seeking Support

If you find it challenging to declutter on your own, consider seeking support. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or a professional organizer, having someone by your side can make a significant difference. They can provide encouragement, accountability, and fresh perspectives as you navigate this journey.

As always, if you’re having trouble letting go on your own and are ready to get help in your home, you can find me in South Carolina's Upstate. Contact me at 864-280-9454, or visit my website at www.sortandsensibility.com. Get on the mailing list below to be the first to know about an upcoming online course to get organized without the overwhelm.

Until next time,

Dianne

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