Paring Down Decorations

“We’re not getting any younger,” I said to my hubby. “I think it’s time we think about paring down our Christmas decorations.”

Picture with me the shock on his face. We’re opposites—his, the organized desk, mine piled high. He discards. I hoard. I like to call myself the messy creative, but truth be told, I just can’t let go of stuff.

Organizing My Paring Down

I’ve tried memorizing Scripture like 1 Corinthians 14:40 NLT: “Be sure that everything is done properly and in order.” I’ve tried books on organization—they usually get buried on my desk. And I’ve tried guilting myself to do better. But nothing changes my desire to hold onto things with sentimental attachment (which includes everything).

When I realized carrying heavy totes from the attic to redecorate for Christmas wouldn’t work and would result in sore backs, I knew I had to change.

The Rich Man of Luke

There’s a man in Scripture who could relate to my relationship with possessions. Jesus told him something interesting.

Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.

~Luke 18:22 NIV

We’re not told what happened to the man, but we do know his face told the rest of the story. I don’t want his tragic tale to become my ending as well. I still have time to change the outcome and will seek ways to share what I have with others.

On another occasion, Jesus said something similar to His disciples.

Sell your possessions and give to the poor.

~Luke 12:33 NIV

But He prefaced it with, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32 NIV).

Hoarding Verses Paring Down Spiritually

I wonder. Does hoarding come from a place of fear? Do I hang on to my stuff because I think I will not have enough? Have I forgotten I have a good Father who loves to give good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:9-11)? Maybe, instead of hoarding stuff, I should keep things like generosity, goodness, and grace. I could pare down jealousy, irritability, and a judgmental attitude. And I could stock up on more fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Hey, I think I’m getting ahold of this paring down thing. It’s time to make room in my heart for the new stuff the Lord wants to do within me. And that’s the best treasure of all.

What will you purge today?

Lord God, thank You for patiently leading me to a place of surrender. I offer myself to You wholeheartedly to fill the empty places with more of You. May Your sweet presence overflow and spill out to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: Paring Down: Sally Ferguson: All Rights Reserved