Sometimes I wish I were a minimalist.  But the truth is I’m not!   I was raised by parents who came through the depression and knew how to save and reuse.  Yes, they also had clutter.

So do I.  

 By now, most of you are probably aware that because of mold in our house, we have torn out walls and done significant remodeling and changing.  The color of the walls and even the décor have been transformed.

My husband, Todd, and I have prayed that at the end of this unexpected remodel and update that our home would have a calm.  We specifically asked God if he would let people feel His peace when they come in.  To me, that surely would include decluttering.

This has seemed like a perfect time to get rid of some of the piles in the forgotten corners…and yes, even in the wide-open spaces.  I have parted with items that I have had for a long time and pled with my family to part with some of their stuff also!

Since I’m not really a minimalist, I have a lot still lying around.  But I have hauled things to the curb, sold other things, and even given some away.

When family members have come to visit, I’ve mentioned things I’m getting rid of.  When I offered a huge painting to my sister Glenda, she was surprised, “That’s a nice painting!”

“Yes,” I told her, “but I don’t have a place for it anymore.  I did pay to have it matted and framed, and I still think it’s pretty.  But it doesn’t fit.”

I have spent the last few months struggling to make decisions ranging from flooring to decoration, all while trying not to let it consume me.  I have found myself feeling defeated in my personal devotions when my mind continued to wander to my to-do list and what changes needed to be made.  My mind has felt SO FULL!

My pastor’s sermon last Sunday really nailed me!  He talked about reading the Bible and barely being aware of what you had read, or praying while your mind was constantly wandering.  He compared the cares of this life interrupting your time with God, to keeping your mind on God and having HIM being the interruption in your work.

He spoke about making room in our lives for God to work.  He said that there is a level that we live on as Christians, but then there is another level where we live to make room for revival in our hearts.

 Years ago, he had a friend and his wife who loved antiques.  Their home was like a museum filled with gorgeous, expensive antiques.

His friend would have some new arrivals in his antique shop when his friend’s wife would come in.  She would see something new that she loved.  She would simply say, “I want this.”

Then she would leave without another word.   When she came back, she would be holding an antique in her hand.  She had gotten it from her home.  “Here,” she would offer the antique to her husband.  Then she would take the new piece she just saw, as a trade.

Her home was so full that she did not have room for any more.  She and her husband had an understanding that the only way she could get another piece was as a trade.  She was willing to do that every time she found something that she loved and wanted more.

Doesn’t that describe many of our lives?  We have crammed it full of thoughts, things to do, and matters that need our attention.  How many times do we have trouble worshipping God because our minds are constantly wandering?

In the natural, we talk about the value of being minimalists, but have we collected enough brain clutter to make us hoarders?

 I want to make room for God.  I want people to feel peace in my heart home.  I want Him to be able to find room to work and move.  I don’t want to crowd spiritual things out.

To be honest, I’ve been decluttering, not just my house but my mind and heart.  I aim to get some empty space.  I’m getting ready for the Holy Spirit to work!  I’m making room for God!