Everyone has stuff, some of us have too much. I'm finding that in my own life. I just have too much stuff. My kids keep telling me to start getting rid of it now so they won't have to. I agree, but when it comes down to it how do I decide what to part with and what to keep? It's a struggle.
Some of you may be good at parting with things, I know my daughter, Amber is good at helping me part with my stuff, but when it comes to her books, not so much. She has a full library! I love my things though, not like, I couldn't live without them love, but a comfort kind of love. They make me smile. I have a collection of angels, and I can pretty much decorate a whole Christmas tree with nothing but angels, not to mention all the ones I have sitting around. I know I need to part with some of them, but which ones? How do I choose? I can remember each one, who gave it to me, or where I got it and believe me that's saying something, when I can barely remember my own name. I also love pottery! I just love the look and feel of a little bowl, made from some ones hands. When I go to a arts and craft fair, that is what I am drawn to.
So back to down sizing, how do I choose? What do I keep and what do I choose to give up?
I remember when I was 10 and going to the Children's Home in Lakeland, I might have had the clothes I had on and maybe another set, but that was pretty much all I had. I didn't have anything that I could say was truly mine. That first Christmas at the Children's Home they gave me a doll. I named him Willie, don't ask me why, I just did. I was 11. That seems pretty old to be getting a doll, but back then we still played with dolls at 11 (at least I did). Anyway, Willie was a doll that had been pieced together. His head is a different color from his body. I didn't care though, I loved Willie. The other night I got to thinking about where Willie was and I couldn't find him. All of the sudden I went into panic mode and searched the house through. No Willie. I called Amber and asked her if she had Willie, she looked and said she didn't, but she didn't tease me or laugh, because Amber knows how important Willie is to me. You see, when you are alone, or feel alone, and don't have anything of your own and finally get something that is just yours, there is that feeling of comfort. I can't really describe it to someone that's never been in that situation, but it's that feeling of having something that is yours, and doesn't have to be shared, and doesn't have to be left behind, or sold. It's something to hold on to when your world is crumbling around you.
I am blessed to work at BigHouse Foundation two days a week in my retirement. It is a gift from God for me to be there, because you see... I was one of those kids. I was one who didn't have anything of my own, who gets taken to a place with strangers with nothing but what you have on. I am blessed to give back in a small way. I get to meet these wonderful foster parents who take in children and treat them as their own and be a part of helping them find clothes, toys, & resources that help these parents take care of the kids entrusted to them.
I believe God gave this gift to me. Don't get me wrong, I don't counsel the parents, or kids, I clean refrigerators, closets, sort clothes, vacuum, but I have never felt more complete in my life. I feel like God has led me through everything to this point. How wonderful to know that when I was 10 years old, scared and feeling alone, God knew that there would be such a time as this!
By the way, after searching everywhere and going through every tub in the utility room, I finally found Willie. So in my decluttering, Willie will not be a casualty. All is right with the world!
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| Willie |
