Organizing…From the Inside Out

More than just cleaning out my cupboards.

It just seemed like the clutter was everywhere. From the coat closet, to the desk, to the cabinet under the sink in the bathroom. And somehow, I was feeling that the clutter was seeping into me as a person as well. I just wanted it to stop.

I think lots of people start the new year wanting to reorganize. But it was more than that for me this year. I wanted to reorganize my life, my habits, my focus. But I started with this cupboard. First unloading everything so I could see it and take inventory. I had some duplicates, some leftovers from my parents, and some very expired items. It just needed to be sorted and purged before I put everything back in.

But what about my life? It wasn’t that easy. Even though I know there are things that I’ve doubled up on…”I need 2 of those, so I don’t run out”. There are leftovers from my parents…”have I taken the time to sort through their things, have I fully grieved?” There are definitely things that have expired…old habits, old unhealed wounds, old bitterness. How do I organize those in my heart?

I made a few changes and I hope they’ll help. I’ve been spending more time reading my Bible, and less time watching the news this year. I’ve gone back to yoga and I spend less time sitting on the couch. I’ve gotten into a small group at church instead of spending so much time alone. I’ve stopped buying unnecessary unfulfilling “pleasures” and started appreciating and using the things I already have.

I’m still working on it. But I hope I’m getting somewhere God wants me to be.

~ Brooke

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. — Psalm 51:10