Getting Rid of Clutter

It’s that time of year again. Time to take down the decorations and clear out clutter. It seems like every year after we put away the Christmas decorations, I get the “bug” to get organized again. I guess it comes from having to pack up the totes and trying to find space in the shed until we need them again. When everything is put away and I look at our living space, it seems almost lonely from the lack of bright and 

Stephanie Rogge

shiny decorations. I find the best way to cheer up the space during the dark winter months ahead is to change the furniture layout, add some pops of color, and put away the clutter. The process is never fun, but is often rewarding as I remove things I no longer have a use for and rediscover things I forgot I had. It always leaves me feeling as if I am back on track and hopeful as I wait for Spring to arrive.

For me, clutter is a burden that reminds me of things not done and quickly zaps me of energy and joy. Clutter does not have to only be physical things, but can be things that are left undone in our lives. There are some things I need to do that I tend to put off until later because they take a lot of personal time and energy, or because they make me sad. I know I should just get these things out of the way so that I do not have to think about them--but still I procrastinate.

Thankfully, I don’t have to rely on my own strength to complete the things that take a lot of my personal time. God reminds me:

Philippians 4:13 (ESV) 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
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And when I have to face the tasks that rob me of my joy, God reminds me I am not alone.

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV) 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV) 10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
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It’s never fun to take on the tasks that I have put off too long, but God helps to get me through them. He helps me remove things in my life that I no longer need to be concerned about and shows me new things to look forward to or things I forgot I wanted to do. Instead of having to continue carrying things undone, He gives me renewed energy and joy for what is ahead. 

In Christ,
Stephanie