By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
I’m in the process of downsizing for a smaller home. What I’ve discovered while cleaning closets, cabinets, and drawers is the power of acknowledging that stuff is not what defines our identity. The items with sentimental value symbolize life experiences. Through photographs, keepsakes that belonged to my family and my husband, and books (yes, I have a weakness for books) I’ve learned that the power of my identity is in Christ. In wrestling with what to do with items, I asked myself three questions:
- What do I keep to honor others?
- What needs to be discarded?
- What needs to be nurtured?
My answers would not be the same as yours, and neither should they be. Our culture, personalities, and life experiences play an important role in determining what matters to keep us at peace.
My decisions are and were sometimes overwhelming. My thoughts turned to the possibility of other areas in my life that might need to be eliminated or developed.
- Mental
- Physical
- Educational
- Spiritual
Mental
Books have been written about the mental issues and problems we face, including the lies we believe about ourselves, betrayal done to us by those we love, and how the past can destroy us. Perhaps we all need to re-evaluate our thinking by identifying the mental triggers that harm us and adding positive values and truth in their place.
Physical
This is an area of our lives where we often neglect without thinking about how we are damaging our bodies. Exercise and healthy nutritional habits maintain a feel-good attitude and build our self-confidence (mental attitude). Perhaps we need to care for our bodies and expand how we take care of the temple of God.
Educational
Wisdom is a vital part of the mental, physical, and spiritual aspect of our lives. Education and fueling our minds with information enlarge our understanding of our world. But if we are worshiping the certificates, awards, continuous learning, and the letters after our names, we may choose to evaluate our priorities. It’s always wise to downsize our priorities to match God’s and increase our understanding of what is going on around us.
Spiritual
This is the most important part of who we are. Growing in our faith, prayer, and obedience enhances our relationship and knowledge of Him. If we are guilty of haughtiness and pride in the name of faith, a little downsizing may be necessary.
I’ve taken a break from my downsizing my home to reflect on other habits I may need to eliminate or build up.
What about you? Are there sections of your life that could benefit from an honest look at downsizing or enlarging?
Great, thought-provoking post, DiAnn. Thank you.
Focusing on what is truly important, what truly holds value
Thank you for what you mentioned about re-evaluating our thinking. I am reminded of Hebrews 12 “throw off everything that hinders”. Getting rid of limiting beliefs definitely includes replacing a lie with God-enlightened truth. I can be harsh with myself.
I’ve been examining my automatic thoughts and pausing before reacting. Even 1% progress is helpful – it accumulates momentum.
I need to downsize in many areas but mostly in physical “stuff”. I am a very sentimental person and have great difficulty turning loose of things that make me think of loved ones. I did manage to clean out my old formals/bridesmaid dresses a few years ago by donating them to “A Night to Shine” prom for those with disabilities. I took pictures of each dress before packing them up. It made me feel good to know someone would make their own special memories from these dresses I would never wear again.
I’ve had a recent life changing experience. I’ve been putting off cleaning and downsizing for years. Now I can’t because I’ve been confined to a wheelchair. What used to seem so important now pales. I can’t get about without help and whenever I need something, certain color of yarn or a book, describing where it is puts my husband on a terrible search that ends in exasperation. I’ve taken for granted the ability to get up and walk and get what I need, you never know until you can’t any longer.
Author
Gail, I’m so sorry for this season of your life. But I agree with you – and I must get the work done.
This is excellent. I’ve started this process as well but I never considered the value of downsizing other areas of our identity. Excellent points for self-reflection and asking God to point out what we may not readily see. Thank you.
Author
Kim, thank you for your comments. Don’t you think it comes to the true priorities of our lives?
I think both Ms. DiAnn. I could definitely downsize in those carnal areas of my life (possessions, desires, etc.) and I certainly pray daily that God use me to enlarge His kingdom through me in any way He deems He can use me.
I don’t envy your task of downsizing your home. It really caused me to see the “importance” I had on so many things that weren’t really important for my life at all.
Author
J.D., I think we become comfortable with our things and fear we will lose our identity – when our identity is in Christ.
Oh DiAnn, I hear you.
I’ve often heard the saying
“ less is more”. However I can’t seem to let go of something precious to me. Seriously, I have a blouse my mom got for me 50 years ago, as well as the rusty tool box my dad gave me over 60 years ago. I have them in my heart, but I hang on none the less. And not to mention the shirts I still have of my late husband. I suppose one day my children will have the task to make the decision, I choose not to.
I downsized years ago to move from a big home-in Ohio to come to Texas, but my love and my memories will forever be a size beyond measure. And in my heart!!
I wish you well in this process.
Blessings
Author
Thank you, Joyce, and I know you understand. I’m determined to get this done – downsizing in every area of my life.
Ah, yes, books! How can we part with even one? Yet, we must or find a way to walk through wall-to-wall shelves throughout the house! If I believe I will want to re-read a book, I keep it. About every three years, I look at the shelves again and ask myself, do I REALLY want to read this book again? If I do, I will read it, then send it to the Kiwanis Thrift Store. Otherwise, it goes there immediately. Even after the every-three-years purge, my shelves are still overloaded. Sigh! Are we absolutely certain we can’t take them to heaven with us? After all, we will have eternity to read them! JOKE!!!!!
Author
Peggy, I think we’re so involved in the creation of books that eliminating them from our shelves is almost sacrilegious. Now that I’ve typed this to you, I realize how ridiculous I sound!
Yes, recently our house had two major floods. The floods were totally unrelated. Yet, everything in the house had to be moved for repairs and reconstruction. I found several items that had needed to be given away or thrown away. I love to keep special mementos and photographs. But, I definitely purged and downsized. 🙂 Have a blessed day! I’m praying for you.
Author
Thank you for your prayers, Melissa. I remember things and memories, and hope the new owner can create their own.
The concept of downsizing allows Christians to reflect on what to keep and what to discard in view of eternity. What to build and what to tear down. Our work on earth should reflect Jesus’ work. We are called to love, serve, build up, and shine. In addition, we are to be heavenly-minded.
Our identity as citizens of heaven should influence our values, priorities, and desires. My earthly view is downsizing. I’ve grown to loosen my grasp on this world. Although am accustomed to familiar surroundings and comfort, my heavenly perspective and hope is enlarged.
Author
Dawn, what beautiful words. Thank you for sharing the spiritual side of downsizing. So true!
I started cleaning out some book shelves. I eliminated some, but I ended up adding to my stack of books I want to read. I commend you. It’s tough to let go of some pieces even when we’d previously forgotten them.
Author
You are so right, Debbie. I’ll find something and remember how I received it. Perhaps the memory is the best,