Dementia for 2

My local radio station has the usual "morning show" type format. Usually it is pretty mundane but on occasion they do have some interesting interviews.

Recently they interviewed the author of "Throw Out Fifty Things: Clear the Clutter, Find Your Life" by Gail Blanke. After hearing this short interview, I thought I would try and throw out 50 things. She does say you should recycle, reuse, donate or throw out. So I went through my junk drawer. I hate that drawer! I did manage to get rid of quite a few things in there including several sets of old keys. Next on the list was my kitchen utensils. Since I go through those on a pretty regular basis, not much there. Then I headed to my closet. I have a large walk-in closet that is FULL. So I started going through my clothes first. I have several suits that are "classic" in their design that I no longer wear. Since I didn't want to just give them away in a yard sale or donate them to Goodwill I called Dress for Success. Next hubs and I hit the garage. This took a full day. But when we were done it was a beautiful thing.

All this cleaning has gotten me to thinking about my cluttered mind. Do I have 50 things in my mind or heart that I need to get rid of? Don't we all have at least 5? So this week while I am continuing the cleaning of my home, I will be focusing on what I need to throw out that is cluttering up my relationship with God. I know that this "spring cleaning" will not be as fast as the physical cleaning but it will be far more rewarding in the long run. I may have to take these things one at a time. My list in no particular order is:

1. My thoughts. I let my mind get away from me far to much. I need to stay focused on what the task at hand is for me in God's eyes and not what others are doing. The "Martha Syndrome".

2. My words. I can be unduly harsh towards others far too easily. I try to blame it on other things like fatigue or stress. The truth is I am not thinking before I speak at these times.

3. My countenance. My mouth can be saying one thing but the look on my face says something else. I need to reflect the love of Christ to others through my expressions.

I think these 3 will keep me busy for quite awhile:) I hope this post has encouraged you to really look at what you are hanging on to both physically and emotionally. If so, there are several places that you can donate a variety of things and recycle centers are popping up everywhere. Maybe, just maybe while you are at it, you will have the desire to clear your mind as well. Good luck and happy cleaning!