Where does the time go? Well, in my case this has been a summer of taking care of other people's business. Not something I volunteered for, or would agree to do once again. Rather I was conscripted to handle my recently departed sister-in-law's estate, way too soon, and under a dark cloud of sadness.
I have lost enough people in my life to know when they are gone, what they leave behind in material goods, does not fill the emptiness. All of the little keepsakes, from their tender memories are often lost on the person, sorting through their things. Or is that just me?
It seems that the older I get, going through this process reveals to me how I am growing in spiritual sense. Oh, I am no where close to nirvana, but I have journeyed quite a distance from measuring my self-worth in my possessions. However, I did find that a little silly ceramic napkin holder, that sat on SIL's kitchen table for 30 years, somehow ended up on my table. And, the prayer shawl given to her in the hospital the day my brother passed away, came home with me too. As I said, not close to nirvana.
Other than that, the message whispered to my heart each time I have to deal with this task, is the fact that the memories, and love are in me, not in the"things" left behind. No need to add their "stuff" to my "stuff" it won't keep them any closer to me, and it will all eventually need to be sifted through yet again, when I am the one who is finally resting.
I want to simplify my life, my soul yearns for that. I am being slowly drawn to answer that call. All of my life I have been a dyed in the wool procrastinator when it comes to organization. Left-handed mayhem is more my style. Unfinished projects, potential projects, dreams, and ideas surround me manifested in "stuff". "Tomorrow I will sort things out" has been my motto to this point in my life. However, call for simplicity is growing louder. So wish me luck, as I reach forward. Can an old dog learn new tricks? I will let you know.
4 comments:
This speaks to me at this particular time. I had a problem in my basement that has required me to clean out all of the many boxes that have been stashed down there 2.5 years ago. I am just amazed (not in a very good way) at the things I have accumulated over the years. I like your sensitive, very real telling of the process of deciding to let go of things that feel like they have meaning. I will re-read this often over the next few weeks as I keep freeing myself from so many things.
Thanks & hugs!
Sharon:
I wish you courage in your journey, it is not easy, mulling and deciding to "let go" in any sense of the words.
Take care & hugs back at ya!
I think I need to print this and pin it where I will see it often. I have too many things that came with "strings"; furniture that I don't care for but keep because it serves a purpose and because my grandmother saved up her pin money to buy it. I need to remember that setting these things free is a way of honoring her - that someone else will be overjoyed to have them just as she was. It's hard, though...
Hugs,
karen anne
It is difficult, no doubt. But I think when the time is right, you let it go, with a blessing.
Hugs
Jeannie
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