The frenzy began as soon as the last gift was unwrapped on Christmas morning.
Must. get. rid. of. junk.
The conundrum of which old toys need to go in order to make room for new ones is not a new one for many parents. It’s a problem that brings all sorts of conflicting emotions with it. Exposing feelings of guilt in some and piety in others.
This year, I found myself working through some guilt and frustration as I began the massive clean-up.
How does this happen?
I started by asking myself the question, but the more distraught I felt, the question grew heavenward.
No sooner had I asked than the quiet answers began.
Because it’s human nature to collect the perishable. Remember my reminder in Matthew 6:19-24?
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
How often I let the corruptible accumulate in my heart – the worries of motherhood, the fear of displeasing others, the desire for things I only want rather than need. Then along comes the dissatisfaction from the clutter taking over inside me. Overwhelming amounts of garbage pile up in a heart that was once clean and free, and I have no room to bring in the beautiful, eternal gifts that God bestows upon me.
Sometimes I wonder if that’s another reason that He blesses me with gifts that I don’t deserve – because otherwise I won’t get rid of the perishable clutter that I’ve allowed to accumulate.
So as I let go of the old and take in the new items we received this Christmas, I find myself thankful for gifts with a new reason. Not only are new things refreshing, they help me see how much like trash the unnecessary things in my life have become.
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