It is just stuff....

Does anyone remember that show called Clean Sweep that was on HGTV? I loved that show. A couple along with a team of other people from the show go through their home and clear the clutter. The designer has 3 tarps on the lawn with 3 signs- KEEP, SELL and TOSS. To make this show more interesting, the designers will give a reward to the husband or wife depending who sells more of their items at the garage sale.

Well, Gary and I feel we just completed a round of that show without the help of a production crew. We have successfully managed to complete our own version of Clean Sweep in a month!!!

It has been tiring. It has been emotional. It has been tough. It has taught us the value of things or that things don't really have value at all.

But, going through everything in our home has also brought back precious memories.

Memories of Declan as a baby as I went through his baby clothes for consignment.

Memories of the day we brought him home with cards from friends.

Memories of our wedding as I looked through photos and albums.

Memories of each year in our lives as I reread through cards for every birthday that my mom sent to me, Declan and Gary for birthdays and holidays.

Messages from my dad that brought tears of sadness and joy.

Memories of all of the late nights Gary and I both spent earning our degrees.

Notes from friends throughout the years who have had an impact in our lives. (Yes, I cherish these!)

The more I went through more closets and drawers, the easier it became to get rid of things. There has been a joy in getting rid of items that really don't have meaning. There has also been joy in being able to bless others with donations of items that will be used to better others' lives.

The items we are keeping are truly cherished! The other things really don't matter.

The thing we have learned most in this journey is that things are things and people are people. People who we would never have expected to show up have been there by our side supporting us and helping wherever they could. New friends and neighbors and my book club!! These people have shown up just when we needed them and it has meant so so much.

God has also shown up in a real way. The nights where I was so tired I fell into bed He gave me strength to go the next day. The times when I was overwhelmed with getting rid of items before Gary leaves, He helped items sell. The days I didn't want to homeschool because I was just so tired, He reminded me of my purpose and now Declan is reading!!!

I know this journey is a learning lesson in itself. I really felt many times during this process that we are so caught up in the daily drudge. We collect things and we store things that really do not bring us true joy.

I am reminded of our true purpose in life.

Matthew 9:37 New King James Version (NKJV)

37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.

I pray that our small 600 square feet flat in Hong Kong will help to remind me that living a consumerist lifestyle will never bring true joy. But, following God will bring true joy.

Joy cannot be found in things.