I stare at my bedroom bookshelf and notice for the nth time how crowded it is with books I’ll never read. Every available space in it is crammed with former Bible studies and old photo albums. This includes an empty one slated for photos I’ll organize someday. It used to be a day next summer, when a time slot opened from usual fall/winter/spring activities. Somehow those empty days of summer fill up and I find myself staring once again at the same album in the fall.
The closet is another wasteland of too small, forgotten, or unused articles of clothing. The little Japanese lady on TV says to hold the item in your hands to see if they “spark joy.” I think they might be capable of doing so if I didn’t allow fattening foods to spark more delight.
Yes, I agree, most Americans have an excess of stuff. My generation of baby boomers are mostly keepers. We were influenced by our hard-working parents and grandparents who survived the Depression. Throw things out that are still useable? Never! I might be able to wear that black top in case the other five are missing. Maybe I can fit into that cute blouse if I’m able to cut back on my nightly kettle corn habit.
It wouldn’t hurt me to begin the process of shedding some excess baggage, both weight and stuff-wise. However, I will never get to the point of becoming a minimalist. Their strict code of purity in keeping essentials only is too harsh by far for my tastes. Especially is this true when it comes to memorabilia. I’m a sucker for memories, and since my capacity for remembering decreases daily, I need said mementos to remind me of the experiences involved. As a writer, these are helpful resources for memoire.
One of the above-mentioned tribe would probably not see the value for such items. To me, though, they represent legacy, a handing down of the treasure of family history which will be lost forever, if forgotten and not appreciated. A mirror brought across the Kansas prairies by my great grandmother via wagon train has great worth. The family stories my grandmother gave to my daughter as a wedding gift could not be replaced by a toaster or blender. Legacy is important and should be honored. Memories brought back of passed family members can be sweet and sometimes helpful.
Our spiritual inheritance may be precious, such as when it includes a praying mother who might not live long enough to see the answers to her prayers. The tireless efforts of our ancestors to bring the faith to new converts is inspirational and a reason to carry it on.
So, clear out and donate the excess belongings with clear consciences. Please, though, make room in your homes and hearts for the heritage left by older generations of loved ones.
Dianna
Sharing the Fruit of Maturity
