Toy Story 2: reduce, reuse, recycle

     

     

     In every generation we hear mothers admonishing their kids to "clean up their messy rooms."

     Very early in life I heard, "A place for everything, and everything in its place." There may be more to that request than we might think. 
   
     A study done by the American Demographic Society found that Americans spend 9 million hours looking for important items they have misplaced, mainly because they are not tidy and organized in their daily lives. 
     As Canadians we probably would not rate any better. I'm all for being tidy and organized, and over the years I've worked hard to be just that. 

     I was fortunate to have a spouse that shared similar habits. I have often wondered if relationships would be greatly enhanced if this was considered a necessary criteria. 

     Sometimes, though, we may find ourselves in a hectic lifestyle, living daily in a helter-skelter fashion. It makes sense then, that the busier we are, the greater the need to be organized, thus, making everyday tasks less stressful. That is simply being skillful in handling life. 
     Also, it is wise to pause occasionally to consider who, or what, is in control of my life — dictating how I live. Do I have clutter in my life, keeping me from being free to be me? 

     Our prosperous lifestyle has enabled many in this, our now generation, to accumulate things, often, perhaps, with the mind-set, "he who has the most toys wins."  

     

     
When changing residences, I've heard it is an excellent time to downsize. I have never heard anyone say, "I wish I had kept more stuff."  

     Much of what we accumulate in life isn't all that important anyway. I am reminded that "I brought nothing into this world and I can take nothing out of it." (1 Timothy 6:7)  

     Why do we hold on to possessions?  Jesus said, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."  (Luke 12: 15)  

     

     With spring just around the corner, I'm hoping for an extra, large dose of inspiration — to begin my downsizing, passing along a few of those treasures I've accumulated and thought I needed (wanted). It could feel very "freeing" and may bless someone who is less fortunate, in the process.

— beulah