#Day3: In your face, moths,rust, and thieves!

My inspiration for #day3 of #theminimalistproject comes from 2 quotes:

Matthew 6:19-21English Standard Version (ESV)     

“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.    -Jesus

AND

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." - Jim Elliott

As someone who has been the victim of a home robbery, a lawn mower theft, a stolen purse, and 3 car break-ins....when I say that "things are just things," I am speaking from personal experience. 

{Of course, I know all too well that some things act as a symbol for irreplacable memories....like say, the gold bracelet that my grandmother left me when she died, or the baby pictures on my computer that I never printed out (...or backed up) which were carried off into the sunset, never to be seen again. But...our memories and sentiments are not dependent on "things." When these cherished items are taken from us, of course we cry. But when it all comes down to it, they are just things. Beautiful memories are held safely in our hearts regardless of the token that represents them.}

I am slowly learning that we can surely have a place in our homes for the things that have importance to us (if, in fact, we have an actual "place" for them); but getting rid of the excess frees me up for what should really matter.

People matter. 

Relationships matter. 

God working through people and relationships matters.

Sometimes "things" help with people, relationships, and God's work....and sometimes "things" can hinder.  For the things that no longer help, and one step farther, are hindering...

...in the words of Elsa, "Let it go!..."

November 3rd, my 3 things:

So it wasn't actually 3 things...it was 3 boxes/bags of things

...but let's get real, we needed to pick up the pace. (remember this act in case I need to count this toward day 29 or so)

Included in day 3 are:

1 box of baby food jars leftover from what was given to me for a project 2 years ago.

1 box of outgrown baby girl clothes

and 1 bag of miscellaneous stuff that I've been collecting from around the house to get rid of.

I'm working to make room for the things that really matter. I need this stuff gone so that I can be more free for the people in my life that need this space.

so... 

"Goodbye, stuff that was once useful but is now just clogging up my life. I appreciate how you helped me for a season. And while there's a very small chance I may need you again someday, I'm sure I'll figure something out if that time ever comes."