Over this Christmas break I found myself reading. I'm sure it irritated my husband and children but sometimes I just need to have my nose stuck in a book. I started with "He will be my ruin" a murder mystery and thriller type. I was done with it in a day, I just couldn't wait for the ending! Then I moved onto a little self help. First as Present over Perfect followed by The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. The were a little deeper spiritually. In fact looking back they were perfect choices for the New Year. Even if I didn't plan it. I also managed to fit in an equally good new years documentary, Minimalism. Truth is I have been on this get rid of things kick for awhile. Moving to Seattle with two small pods will do that to you. But really it has been about more than that. Its about not coveting things of this world. Not spending my money on useless and joyless items. Also not owning items that make me disconnected from the average person of this world. Now I felt someone proud of the job we had done. We had quit with name brand for the most part or at least didn't purchase it because of its brand. I slowed down on retail therapy and really thought twice about the purchase. We have never had cable but we got rid of Hulu and tried to simplify our television intake. Overall we have been on this journey to minimize. However I realized over the break we are far from there. We are also maybe not fully understanding the mindset of removing the stuff to be more present in the world. I was moved so deeply by the words in the tidy book. She suggested to thank your home for all it does for you. I thought about how I have treated this home. First, I hated it because it was too new, it has no character, and its too big. Then, I spent time searching for a different house that would ultimately make me happier. Then right in the middle of this book it was like God just tapped me on the shoulder and said "hey britt- this .is shelter, your shelter" I realized for the first time that my home was Gods provision on my life for shelter. Not my paradise, not my pride, not my item to covet or hate. It is my shelter and it is a sanctuary from the storm of life. I realized in that moment that so many in this world would be mind blown if they had this shelter and the freedom that we so often take for granted. So I thanked my home and I thanked God. My home for being so good to me and giving me such wonderful shelter and God for giving me this beautiful place for my children to grow and be happy. I know my road to present, tidy, minimized joy might be a long one but the joys and insights each day make it so worth it.
Minimalism
Life Changing Magic of Tidying
Present Over Perfect
He Will Be My Ruin
