On Monday, when I first dreamed up this "Let go of 1000 things" idea, I spent quite a bit of time asking the Lord whether giving away that much stuff was really the right idea. After all, we also struggle to make ends meet. Yes, I'm selling a portion of those things (mostly higher quality books and specific items of furniture), but even then, keeping prices low. For the most part, though, I am freely giving away our excess, to bless others. It seemed like the right thing to do, for a number of reasons. Still, one does tend to second-guess oneself. There are things we need that cost money. Will giving away stuff void an opportunity to make money for the other things we need/want to buy? I wanted to be sure, before announcing to the world that this is what I'm doing.
Right about there in my thinking, I took a break from cleaning the bathroom and checked my emails. And I found an unexpected blessing - an email to tell me I was one of the winners of a free copy of a new book I've been wanting for months: "Embrace Your Space" by Janet Luke - a NZ writer and permaculture gal who writes about self-sufficiency in your back yard. I've been putting off getting it because it costs $45. I'd completely forgotten filling in the online entry form a month or two ago with a magazine I enjoy - after all, I never win such things....
It felt like such a blessing, and also a little bit extra confirmation that I'm heading in the right direction. Meeting our needs, and even desires, is not all about us - not all down to us. There is Someone who watches over me, who knows my needs and even the desires of my heart. When I open my hands and share the things we've been blessed with, He is still MORE than able to provide all that is needed. And sometimes, even what is merely desired.
Right about there in my thinking, I took a break from cleaning the bathroom and checked my emails. And I found an unexpected blessing - an email to tell me I was one of the winners of a free copy of a new book I've been wanting for months: "Embrace Your Space" by Janet Luke - a NZ writer and permaculture gal who writes about self-sufficiency in your back yard. I've been putting off getting it because it costs $45. I'd completely forgotten filling in the online entry form a month or two ago with a magazine I enjoy - after all, I never win such things....
It felt like such a blessing, and also a little bit extra confirmation that I'm heading in the right direction. Meeting our needs, and even desires, is not all about us - not all down to us. There is Someone who watches over me, who knows my needs and even the desires of my heart. When I open my hands and share the things we've been blessed with, He is still MORE than able to provide all that is needed. And sometimes, even what is merely desired.
On Tuesday, I started clearing out some stuff that's been waiting in my living room for me to deal with. I also emptied a couple of boxes that have been stacked in the hall. It didn't take long to find a bunch of stuff to give away. Tuesday's items total 37, including 1 bag of quilt batting, 1 small whiteboard, 1 devotional book, 1 camera case, 1 bookmark, 1 cutlery stand, 2 pieces of fabric, 1 lace mat, 1 scarf, 2 folders, 1 twin pack of new CFL bulbs (I accidentally bought screw in ones instead of bayonet), 1 pack of recipe cards and 23 books.
I also identified 21 books to sell, and by the time of writing this have sold 19 of the 24 books so far advertised for sale.
I've half-filled another box with recycling, and added more things to the trash bag.
Also removed from my house on Tuesday - 34 books returned to the library, and two items returned to a friend.
Things are starting to look less cluttered already!
So far, due to the first real rain we've had in 3 months, I haven't been able to put boxes out by the road, but if it clears up this morning, I will do so. I wonder how long it will take for things to go?
I've half-filled another box with recycling, and added more things to the trash bag.
Also removed from my house on Tuesday - 34 books returned to the library, and two items returned to a friend.
Things are starting to look less cluttered already!
So far, due to the first real rain we've had in 3 months, I haven't been able to put boxes out by the road, but if it clears up this morning, I will do so. I wonder how long it will take for things to go?
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