“More Stuff.  More Space.  Less Life.” How true is this quote?  As we move into the holiday season, I am once again contemplating the meaning of all the stuff around our lives.

I met a lady yesterday, who was inquiring about a membership to the YMCA.  Her kids had asked her to come up with some “clutter free” gift ideas.  As a family, they had decided that more stuff was utterly unnecessary.

After our conversation, I was left pondering the values in our consumptive culture.  How do our things serve us?  How do they detract or add to our livelihood?  What do they do to our relationships?  How does stuff find its way into our precious homes?

When people visit, I often hear comments such as “Your place is so neat.  How do you do it?”  I often equate it to my hyper-perfectionist personality and the fact that we don’t have little people running around yet.  However, I also now see a deeper root cause.  Jeremy and I don’t live with a lot of stuff.  Consciously or unconsciously, we have been very intentional about what we bring into our home.  Throughout our marriage, we have continued to purge and let go of the things that no longer add value to our lives.  Through this process, we’ve found both healing and freedom.  The things in our home mean something and often shine on special memories.  They reflect who we are and what we believe in.  They support and nourish our souls, as we retreat from a harried, hectic day.  The stuff in our lives is separate from us.  At any time, moths or thieves, floods or fires, could take it all away.  Upon this reflection, we are centered in knowing that our eyes need to be fixed on something greater.  Something more real.  Something more lasting.

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful”

~William Morris

So, when we go to the stores today, we walk around, immersed in the glamour and sparkling of advertisements.  Our eyes grow wide and our mouths well with thirst over all the yummy, delicious stuff within reach of our fingertips.  We dream about bigger, better, and more.  For a tiny moment, we get lost in the world of illusion; thinking all our problems will be solved if we stuffed our home with all that neat, shiny stuff.

Sale items are my poisonous apple.  While I often don’t need it, I can find every reason and excuse to bring it home.  I mean, it’s a great deal!  It was meant for me to find it!  Shoes and purses are definitely my weakness.  But, bygone, I’ll make room in my closet because it’s worth it!

New Table. Old, Spooky Decoration.

During a recent trip to Target, I came across an aisle full of clearance furniture.  Modern, sleek, new; just calling my name.  I quickly snatched up one of the tables, feeling a tiny twisting in my stomach.  Did I need it?  Heck no, but I proceeded to walk around with it in the cart.  Tiny voices, from both shoulders began speaking.  After bouncing between need and want, I headed toward the checkout line…..with the table.  I had talked myself into deciding it was worth it.  Plus, it really was something I had my eye on for a while, but knew it would only find its way into our home if it drastically came down in price.

When I got home and put the tiny table in the place my mind had picked out, I began to contemplate the price of many things filling the average home today.  This little table cost me two hours of work.  Yet, I began to think beyond that.  Time cleaning, moving (near and far), and decorating also needed consideration.  Over the course of a lifetime, this tiny table may end up taking more of my life than I originally understood.  Not to mention the real estate (space) it now required in our overall square footage.

While this illustration may seem small and worthless, I do have to wonder how this illuminates a greater story.  If our eye is fixed on this stuff, if it only adds to our meaning of success, then what have we lost?  How have we volunteered our time to this stuff, while replacing our capacity for authentic love and real relationship?  In what ways might our stuff neglect or cover feelings/situations that need to be indebted to time?

“We don’t need to increase our goods nearly as much as we need to scale down our wants.  Not wanting something is as good as possessing it.”

~Donald Horban

How will you keep space to love those around you?  What will your buying criteria, in response to more life, be this holiday season?

Simply Stunning.

Over the past several months, my heart has been breaking.  As I was driving along the beautiful roads of Oregon, I witnessed a massive evergreen tree falling from the sky.  As it crashed to the ground, its pristine, thick needles crumbled into pieces.  Something that was so bold and breath-taking; gone in a matter of seconds.  As I studied the scene, I realized that a massive chain saw had been brutally hacking at its thick trunk.  When the tree and dust cleared, what was left behind made my stomach turn in circles.  A gaudy, over-sized sign:

“STORAGE – COMING SOON!  Reserve your space today!”

Your space.  Who’s space?  Truthfully, it made me sick.  Was this necessary?  Another storage unit?  Over the past few weeks I’ve noticed these things going up faster than we blink our eyes.

As much as I’ve tried to forget the scene, the image of the tree falling has stayed with me.  As I reflect a bit on this happening, I start to wonder why.  Who are we to do this to nature?  What kind of “stuff” qualifies for this type of destruction?  Is it a valuable use of space or just another way for us to mark our territory?

Now, I understand that some storage units are necessary.  Moving, living overseas, family crisis, and death of a loved one all constitute use of extra space.  Yet, in our current situation of economic decline, why are storage units rising faster than the sun?  My best guess is that people are stuck.  And when they are stuck, unable to move to larger living, the reality sinks in.  Where do we put all this stuff?  How can we survive with so little space?  I wonder if the inventor of storage units ever rented one of his own?

So, take a moment to think about this.  In no way do I mean to offend or judge.  Yet, doesn’t it seem silly?  The majority of people that I worked with in organizing openly admitted that they had no idea what was in their storage unit.  And yet, they continued to pay the inflated price each and every month without question.  Really?

Reconnect to Nature.

The thing is, when we rent a storage unit, we endorse it.  And when we pay the monthly bill for someone else to store our stuff, we vote with our money, recognizing them for offering a “worthy” service.  These places would not be in business if it weren’t for our over consumptive society.  Most of the time, the stuff that is stored is just that.  Stuff.  It sits, collecting dust.  Slowly purged, but mostly, added to.  Forgotten with time.  Sometimes, the stuff even gets moved to a larger unit because the smaller one started to burst at the seams!

As I continue to study simplicity, I realize that consciousness is part of the process.  Noticing, seeing, and communicating the things that just don’t feel right inside.  For me, this is one of them.  If this has hit a sore point for you or ruffled some feathers, maybe it’s time to reconsider how you look at the things around your life.  Re-evaluate the layers behind the reasoning.  Why is it important that you keep the stuff?  How will you stop bringing the stuff into your life and home?  If extra space is truly necessary at this point in your life, can you work something out with a friend or family member?  Might they have room for you to store your things, temporary?  Personally, I would much rather give my money to a loved one than encourage a business I don’t support.  Taking time to shed this from your life will bring freedom, as well as money saved.

How will you let go of the excess in your life?  If you currently rent a storage unit, how and when can you hand back the keys?

I recently started work on a masters degree in Spiritual Formation from George Fox Seminary.  And while it has only been five years since I graduated with my undergraduate degree, I have to honestly say I experienced a bit of syllabus shock during the first week.  We have to read how many chapters?  And, oh that paper only has to be 14 pages long.  No problem!  Now that I’ve had a few weeks to adjust and get organized, I’m feeling more calm and focused for each new task ahead.  For the most part, I feel extremely excited and blessed to be learning what I am learning.  Between Old Testament I, Women in Church History, Spirituality and the Mystics, Knowing Self, Knowing God, and Spiritual Direction Experience, I have 8.5 credits!  Needless to say, I’m busy.  However, while I feel like I have no free time right now, I can’t think of a better way to spend my time.  At the core of my studies, I am learning about God and growing in my personal relationship with Him.  I have already been challenged in a variety of ways and look forward to the amazing new community that is surrounding me.  Yahoo for school! 

One of the benefits of my intensified schedule is the fact that I’ve had no time for television.  I can directly relate this to Finding Simplicity because in the past, I have often caught myself sitting on the couch, mindlessly flipping through channels.  Or, you know this frame of thinking.  “I’m only going to sit down for this one show, just a 1/2 hour.”  And, three hours later.  Well, I don’t need to explain.  Without television, I am finding a whole new realm of energy.  I tried to sit down last night to watch one of my favorites shows on HGTV (a network I could never fully give up!) and I found myself distracted with other things.  I wanted to read for relaxation or create a card for someone I was thinking about.  Lately, television for me has not felt like a good way to spend my extra time.  More than ever, I feel how wasteful and distracting it can be to our lives.  It steals our time and feeds into unhealthy addictions.  And yet, how many households across America allow their children and families to be numbed and temporary fascinated by its persuasion?  How would our culture be different if people used this precious time to learn about the One who gave us our watchful eyes?  I definitely see this pattern changing in our own home over the course of this new school semester. 

“Television has changed a child from an irresistible force to an immovable object.”

~ Author Unknown

One of my dear friends (thanks Trudi!) recently shared a powerful and moving song with me that encompasses some of what I’ve been feeling as a result of my new chosen study and reflection on time.  It reminds me of the one who created us from the beginning and who sustains us to the end.  If we don’t take time to learn and grow in our faith (away from the t.v.), what do we really know of holy?  How can we truly appreciate and acknowledge all of the blessings and joys of this life?  How can we face the tragedies and see a tiny glimpse of significance and hope in the pain?  Things of this world don’t always make sense to us, but we have a God who loves us beyond measure and wants to fill the void and emptiness we might often feel inside.  Take a few minutes to listen to this song and see if it moves you the way it has moved me.     

“Television hangs on the questionable theory that whatever happens anywhere should be sensed everywhere.  If everyone is going to be able to see everything, in the long run all sights may lose whatever rarity value they once possessed, and it may well turn out that people, being able to see and hear practically everything, will be specially interested in almost nothing.”

~ E.B. White

How will you use your “free time” this week?  What relationships or activities can you turn the volume up for?

How much of life do we exchange for each other? 

As I become more aware of the simplicity that is sprinkled throughout our lives, I’m beginning to see patterns and themes each week.  I try to be aware of similar happenings and thoughts, which is how I often piece together my writing topics.

Lately, I’ve been feeling extremely overwhelmed and encouraged by the amazing community of friends around me.  This past weekend, I had the opportunity to spend a night with seven amazing women at Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood.   One of our dear friends, Anna, brought us together to help celebrate her six year wedding anniversary and to talk about the love that we’ve experienced in our own lives.  How memorable!

While I was reminded about the importance of friendships and love, I was also encouraged by the sharing and exchanges that took place.  Anna had a wonderful idea of turning the “white elephant” game into an eco-friendly gift giving event.  She has recently begun taking steps to simplify her home and the materials in her life, and as a result, found several items that she wanted to share with us.  So, we each went around the circle and picked a bag from the table.  We were given the chance to open it and decide if it was something we liked or needed.  It was also important that Anna let us know that it was perfectly fine if we saw nothing we wanted to bring home.  I ended up with a beautiful bright green candle dish, which found a home in one of our bathrooms that was thirsty for color.  And the best part; it was free!

Another excellent idea that Anna included in her invitation was a clothes exchange.  Often referred to as a “Naked Ladies Party” , we were asked to bring any items that we no longer liked or fit into.  And, although I had recently been part of a summer garage sale, I was surprised to find myself easily taking things from my closet and tossing them into the giveaway bag.  After the exchange, I felt like I walked away with a brand new wardrobe!  One of the girls even works at Nike, so in a tiny way, I felt as if I won the lottery by finding several new workout pants and shirts.  Ladies, if you have never done this with your girlfriends, this is a must, annual event!  Clothes, shoes, meals, books, furniture, household items, music lessons, babysitting.  The options are vast!

In the world of exchange, another valuable option is trading of services.  As I look around, I see many talents and passions that people in our life encompass.  For instance, Heather, one of the sweet girls in our church community group, is an incredible hair stylist.  Recently, I asked if she would be open and willing to exchange a trim for an organizing session.  Honestly, I felt a bit nervous to pose such a question, but her quick response only helped encourage my newfound spirit of community exchange.  And, after conversations with her, I realize that so many of us are afraid to ask for the help that we need.  As a result of our talking, we ended up discovering another exchange!  A vacation townhome for babysitting!  Marvelous! 

While I understand that many people today do not have the time or energy to exchange talents, I do know that this type of giving and taking will cause a ripple effect of positive change and needs awareness.  Can you imagine a neighborhood of strangers coming together for this type of exchange?  Think of the support, understanding, and compassion that might come through such agreements.  Not to mention, money saved!

This type of mindset is eco-friendly and solicitous.  The communication needs to be open and authentic however, as to not take advantage of another person’s heart to give.  Honestly, I truthfully believe that God intended for us to live in this way.

“The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.”

~Henry David Thoreau          

How have you recently practiced the gift of exchange in your life?  What passions and talents might you offer to those around you?

Over the past several weeks, my heart has been growing for a particular sector of the population.  They are people just like me and you.  The only difference is that many of them live on the same streets we often take our leisurely strolls down, while window shopping and star gazing over all the things we would love to possess. 

When was the last time you noticed a homeless person?  How did you feel?  What did you do?  For a moment, did you feel disgusted?  Intimidated?  Guilty?  Empathetic?

All too often (I’m guilty of this), I notice how easily we walk by these people, while avoiding eye contact.  Even as they beg and plea for money, we push them aside, carrying hurriedly along to our destination.  I mean, why don’t they get a job like every other normal person?  If I give them anything, isn’t that just enabling their current existence?  Through these thoughts and many more, we are subconsciously equating these individuals to be of a lower value.  They are forgotten and trampled over by the affluent.  Many of us are too busy to notice and too busy to care.  After all, isn’t it their choice to be in that position in the first place?

As I seek to live more simply, I am reminded that I am voluntarily choosing to live with less.  And as I release my attachment to things, I am beginning to notice new and amazing things swirling all around me.  God is alive in so many ways, and I am absolutely certain He is standing next to the same people we pass on the street.  He hasn’t forgotten them or given up on their potential to touch and influence the world.  If we would just look close enough, these very same people have the ability to snap us out of autopilot and our worldly obsessions.  After all, while they are poor in money, many of them are eternally rich in spirit.  Whose shoes would you rather fill?

Each one of them is Jesus in disguise.

~Mother Teresa

A few weeks ago, when Jeremy and I were in Vancouver, B.C., we were approached by a homeless man.  It was the first time that either of us stopped to listen.  Through missing and broken teeth, he explained that he was native to Australia and that most of his family was still there.  He also assured us that he was not a bum (by pointing out his soiled sports jersey) and that he was trying to make his way back home.  After listening to his story, we did not offer him money or anything of “value”.  Instead, we asked if we could pray for his situation.  For a moment, he rolled his eyes and grimaced, but then showed a tiny sparkle of a tear.  It may have been over frustration, but I’d like to believe that for one moment, he felt cared for and noticed.  Shortly after our offer, he walked away and began approaching other people on the street.  As Jeremy and I walked back to our lavishly decorated, high rise hotel, we couldn’t help but feel for this man.  He touched our hearts and made a lasting impression on us.  I can only hope that we did the same. 

The other day, Jeremy and I discovered a powerful minimum wage documentary by Morgan Spurlock.  If you have some time, this is definitely worth watching.  It just may challenge and change some of your thinking and ideas about many individuals and families just trying to survive this life.

My hope is that this resonates with some of you.  Next time you pass someone living on the street, take time to notice.  If you can’t bring yourself to make eye contact, just walk by, consciously knowing they are present.  After all, God has not forgotten them, and neither should we.  Our lives are no more than a vapor, and our suffering short thanks to God’s mighty ability and grace to save. 

“I see God in every human being. When I wash the leper’s wounds, I feel I am nursing the Lord himself. Is it not a beautiful experience?”

~Mother Teresa

How are you a light to the world?  In what ways have you shown compassion for those less fortunate?