De-clutter, you say!
That seems to be the catch phrase today. Everywhere you go, someone talks about de-cluttering.
What exactly does this mean? To some it may be sorting through their piles of paper and recycling or shredding it. To another it is getting rid of those extra clothes parked on hangers in the closet gathering dust. Then there are those who have collections, teapots and elephants of all shapes and sizes made from different materials. How about the bookshelves groaning with books that need to be aired, or passed on to eager book sale organizers.
Stop and think about what clutter really is. It is that disorganized heap of sundry items filling valuable space and making a room look, oh so small. Plastic bags full of brochures and memorabilia of trips taken, line up in haphazard fashion along the floor leaning precariously forward for attention. Whew! I said it, the bags keep growing as the clutter gets more colorful.
Then there is the clutter of thoughts crying for someone to work through the anguish of doubts and fears, and endless questions and opinions. Who is ready to start the de-cluttering process in earnest, you ask? How do you get a pack rat to change?
But more than the exterior clutter is the interior chaos that can arise when we carry around too much baggage. Airlines today are charging $25 per case. We would be worth a whole lot if our clutter was weighed in!
It is difficult to let go of pre-conceived ideas hinging on life’s experiences. Sometimes sharing concerns with a trusted friend helps to sort through the myriad floating dilemmas that we face day after day. Book stores provide shelves of self-help books to assist in the de-cluttering process, but often times that is as far as one gets. The task seems overwhelming and daunting.
What about the spiritual clutter that envelopes us as we journey along? Jesus says, “Come to me all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.” Sure, but we need someone to talk to, who will listen to us, and sort through the confusion. But, Revelation 3 says Jesus is knocking at the door of our hearts, we just have to let him in. Sitting in front of the Blessed Sacrament is a sure way of working through the clutter of hurts, pain, endless worry and questioning.
A few years ago I had to de-clutter spiritually, and emotionally, and found myself totally drained driving to a chapel after work. I sat quietly in front of the Sacred Host, and allowed God to reach me. I don’t recall saying any formal prayers. After soaking in the rays of God’s love and peace, I got on the highway and drove to see my aged, ailing father. On arrival at the long term care centre, I was met by the director who exclaimed, “You look lovely, have you been on holiday?” I was initially puzzled, but later realized that it was the light of Christ that was shining through me. I had given God the permission to untangle the knots, and sort out the concerns plaguing me. St. Paul’s words to the Philippians echoed in my soul, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
De-clutter, you say, it’s a piece of cake with God reaching out to us with unconditional love.