Welcome to Day 1 of our 30 Day series, A Time to Clean. Today’s topic touches on those things that we hold on to that aren’t necessarily the kind of clutter we have in our homes, but rather the clutter that fills our hearts and minds. What are you holding on to?
A Time to Clean: Day 1
What are you holding on to?
Look around you.
What do you see? No, really, what do you see?
When I see clutter in my house I see Failure. Regret. Discouragement. Shame.
I see wishes that have not come true and fears I have not let go. I see my life in it’s often overwhelmed state and wish that I wasn’t frozen, unable to make things really change.
I see bad habits and unmade decisions and wrong choices and mistakes I wish I hadn’t made.
This is my life.
I’m a pretty happy-go-lucky sort of gal. I see the glass half full. Like almost all the time. And yet, there are so many days when I wake up to clutter and a busy schedule and I just wish I could escape reality. The last few years added up to a lot of chaos. And even though my burnout has healed, I’m still left with the aftermath.
Okay, so for instance, I can have the main part of my house pretty much neat – and all it takes is a few busy days to ruin everything. Like, the house is a disaster within 24 hours. I was gone from home nearly everyday for the last two weeks…. 14 times 24 hours… Ugh.
Can anyone else relate? Tell me I’m not alone in this!
The problem is, the house may appear to be clean or neat when someone drops by or comes for dinner… but the truth is, I’m probably hoping no one looks in my closets, goes into the laundry room, or opens my bedroom door or pays attention to the stacks and stacks of books lying around… everywhere.
The truth is – I just have too much stuff. Stuff I don’t really even want.
So, why have I been holding onto all this stuff that doesn’t add one bit of joy to my life?
As I hold onto shame, I also hold onto stuff – stuff that tells me I’m not worthy of more than a cluttered, messy life.
As I hold onto regrets, I also hold onto stuff – stuff that tells me I routinely make bad choices – like that pair of jeans that just doesn’t fit right.
As I hold onto bitterness, I also hold onto stuff – stuff that keeps my bedroom from being a sanctuary for my marriage.
As I hold onto bad habits, I also hold onto stuff – stuff that tells me I’ll never be more than my present reality.
Repeat after me.
Today, I choose to let go of past regrets.
Today, I choose to let go of those things in my life that are trapping me under their weight.
Today, I choose to find joy and let go of clutter.
Today, I choose to let go of this world and hang onto God.
I am convinced that having less stuff will mean more joy. I am convinced that simplifying my life will mean less stress. I am convinced that getting rid of the clutter in my heart will lead to less clutter in my house.
Change isn’t easy, but it is possible. And with God ALL things are possible.
Today’s Goal
- Ask God to show you what things you are holding onto that are holding you back from your best life.
- Pick up a journal and write down your thoughts about what He has shown you or print my free prayer journal.
- Choose an area in your home you want to tackle. I suggest beginning with one of the main living areas of your home.
- Fill at least one bag or box full of stuff to give away.
- Take a picture of your bag. Share it on Facebook or Instagram – use hashtag #atimetoclean {optional}
- Leave a comment below about what you chose to get rid of.
- Do your best to wake up early tomorrow and spend time in prayer. Use your prayer journal.
33 Comments