The packing…the unpacking…the discarding of "stuff"…the hoarding of "memorabilia" (My definition of memorabilia and Belinda's definition of memorabilia somewhat differs at this point). Do we upgrade? Downgrade? Downsize? Get a bigger house (or shed)?
My wife Belinda and I have also become good at putting on the garage sale (lawn sale in Alice Springs, NT) to move the unwanted, unloved, uninteresting "stuff". We are holding our first sale since moving back to Queensland after four years in the Northern Territory.
So this Saturday we spend 4-5 hours watching the goods flow out of the garage for bargain base prices, to hopefully make $100 - $200, and make room for more of boys' toys, bikes, footballs, skateboards, scooters, surfboards and unpacked boxes from the Alice Springs move. Our main goal is to hopefully be able to drive the car into the garage by Saturday night.
It seems so much easier to organise our house and goods at times, rather than organise and run our lives. Moving states and house can seem quite simple compared to having to have a spiritual house clean.
Even after 20 years as a Christian and follower of Christ, I am amazed at how much junk and stuff I have got rid of in my life, but also how much junk and stuff I have accumulated in my life over that same period of time. Just when I think I have "made it" (whatever that means!?), God finds another "carton" that needs to be sorted through and in dire need of a clean or toss out.
Having a spiritual house clean is never easy. In the last 20 years God has cleaned my house…I wouldn't have a clue how many times. My confidence in myself, my journey, my walk with Christ can wane at times, but I do have confidence in God that with him, I am: "being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3 verse 18 NIV).
Inspired by my wife Belinda as she prices, reorganises and sets up our garage for the big day Saturday, while I sat in the kitchen writing this article…surely a legitimate way to get out of helping!
Russell Modlin teaches English and Physical Education at a Christian School on the Sunshine Coast. He is married to Belinda and they have three children.
Russell Modlin's archive of previous article can be found at www.pressserviceinternational.org/russell-modlin.html