Here we are a week into the new year. How are you doing?!
This year, I am trying something a little different. Well, I have been meaning to do it for awhile, but just decided to go for it now, thanks to a little godly conviction. 
“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” — 1 Timothy 6:6
I will probably never be a minimalist, as I have many interests and like to have options! Yet, the reality is that I have plenty of stuff, possibly bordering on too much. Ahem.
Over time, I have realized it is much easier to organize my stuff if there is less of it. I don’t need more hangers or baskets; I need to use what I have and be content. Having stuff is not bad, but I want to use my resources, not just collect them. Trying to maintain “all the stuff” takes time and mental effort, so in this case, less is more.
Last week, Lydia and I spent a little time organizing around the house. Here’s the problem: I like trying new things but don’t always go through them quickly enough. I might buy a few extras to save money (buy one, get one!) and then don’t have room to store them. So, things tend to accumulate or get wasted. On top of that, sometimes I forget what’s in my pantry… so I may buy things again. (Now you know why this blog is about grace, not homemaking!)
So, this year, we are challenging ourselves to “SOS” or “shop our shelves” (or stockpiles?!) before buying more. That applies to our food, toiletries, and, yes, even my books! If there is something we don’t truly need or won’t use, we will donate it to others. The main goal is to check our storage first and see if we can make do.
Hopefully, we’ll save a little money since I have already paid for the items on my shelves. I have already paid some bills and bought gas for my car, though it feels good to save time not going to the store or shopping online. I’m running low on milk and Q-tips, and they don’t have great substitutes. Still, I’ll likely hold off a little longer and start a list.
While my budgeting has been more manageable, it’s not about the money but the principle. I’m seeing God’s provision in a new way and creating space for Him to move in my life. We cannot experience His goodness without putting our faith in Him!
We’ll have to be creative as our experiment progresses and we run out of our favorites. However, I probably already have a perfectly good swap in storage. That said, we don’t want to leave ALL the beans for the end! So far, we have been using them for dips, salads, burritos, and chili.
Ultimately, God doesn’t want our stuff; He wants our hearts. I don’t know how long the experiment will last, but I am excited to see God move in our hearts. I feel grateful for His provision. It has been freeing not to be focused on “getting” and just relaxing and using what we already have. I’ll keep you posted!
**********
God, thanks for all You do to provide for me! All I have is from You and belongs to You. Help me be a good and wise steward. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Questions: Do you have any big plans for the new year?
Task: Watch Madame Blueberry by VeggieTales and pray about your next steps.
