In the Flow with Healing Waters

Many years ago, I went to a funeral for the aunt of a friend. The aunt lived in California, was single her entire life and didn’t have children. My friend was the executor of her estate so when she passed away, he flew out to California to clean out her home, sell what needed to be sold, and get her home on the market. He had no idea what he was walking into. 

Apparently, his aunt had a lot of stuff. I don’t think she was a hoarder, but over the years had accumulated a lot. Most of it meant nothing to him, but he knew that it must’ve meant something to her. He wanted to be respectful of her things, but in the end, there was so much stuff that he had to release the attachment of “this meant something to her.”

Seems like every couple of years I go through my stuff and get rid of things and sometimes I find something and I wonder why I even bought it? I have known people who love to buy things. It doesn’t matter if it’s a candy bar, as long as they buy something every day, they feel good. In today’s world, it’s easier than ever to buy things and you don’t even have to leave your house! I remember when my kids were little and they’d want another Beanie Baby. We had SO MANY Beanie Babies! How many of you can relate? 

As my kids have gotten older, I have found that it’s the time together and making memories that is so much more meaningful than buying them a gift that I’m not sure that they’ll like. (more stuff)

One of my favorite memory making events happened a few years ago. We decided to do Christmas in July in Estes Park, Colorado since all of my kids live out there. Traveling was easier and we didn’t feel the pressure of the holidays. We drove to Colorado, brought an artificial Christmas tree, Christmas cookies, a few gifts, and gingerbread houses to put together and decorate. It is one of our favorite memories because it wasn’t about gift giving, or being stressed out about finding the perfect thing to buy for someone. None of us need more stuff. 

If you have young kids in your life, I can guarantee that they will remember a memory you made with them way more than what you got them last Christmas or Birthday.

Most of us have some clutter that needs to be gone through. Next time you are contemplating buying some trivial thing that may bring you temporary joy, ask yourself if it’s really worth it? Do you need it or want it? Will you actually use it? 

As my friend was finishing the eulogy of his aunt who had so much stuff, he ended it with this: “For God’s sake people, go home and clean out your closets.” Everyone chuckled, but I think everyone in the church was thinking about their own closets and the treasures that others would find.

Buy less and make more memories in the flow,

Deb