It’s Take It Out Thursday…a time to consider what’s not working for you, what’s excess in your life, and what might be better served to let go! I wanted to save the tub, but the truth is, in this case, a new tub will serve us better. Sometimes it is important to remember we matter too.
Today’s focus for me is letting go. As we prepared to move (again) in to our cottage, there are decisions to be made at every turn. What stays, what goes, what is given away, what is sold, what is shared…like the 400 extra office supplies that I can never find when I need them but seem to be readily available now that I am moving!
The same “Take It Out Thursday” mentality can be focused from what doesn’t serve me, what is more than I need, what is often left out for lack of a home in our home to put it away. Know the feeling? (I love the Project 333 for this reason, a system for keeping a great wardrobe but not so many clothes to stay in the dirty clothes pies) Who needs to make so many decisions a day on what to wear, where to put it, what to do? Not this girl! Of course it may take a few trailer loads to get us down to size after emptying three houses in three states and still having waaay too much to keep!
What thinking might not serve you any longer? We too often create mechanisms to protect ourselves, or we jump on the band wagon of new thinking without full vetting how that will affect our past, present and future. The same is also true of holding on to things and relationships that no longer are healthy in our lives. I am a lover of hearts, and I want the best for everyone, but the truth is folks have to heal themselves, you cannot do it for them. We are all imperfect created that way by a perfect God. It’s not even my job to be perfecting me…that’s God’s space, Christ’s space, it’s my role to be obedient. The Holy Spirit leads and guides us when we seek His peace. Christ’s presence is peace. Too often the pleaser in me wants to get in a spun up mess when someone isn’t at peace. It’s not my job to please the world, and it’s not another human’s job to please me either. Mature love just doesn’t go there, relationships require work on communications, on diligence to be in integrity with intention, and to forgive yourself and others…often.
What will you take out on this day? While I’m working on the house I’m working on the stinking thinking that holds me back from trusting God’s provision of peace. Walks outdoors remind me of His promise and give me visuals of his magnificent systems of life for all.
I’m taking out the time viewing media that doesn’t serve me well. I’m taking out the second guessing me on decisions on the flooring, the lighting, the wall colors…and watching for the new blooms from the draining moments of renovations.
The truth is, most decisions can be changed later, if it matters that much to change it. My perspectives are colored by how rested I am, what I have eaten, and who I’ve been listening to. Today I’m focused on solitude, listening to God and turning off the second guessing of what or why others do what they do. It’s my job to love people, it’s God’s job to heal them. So enjoying seeing the physical stuff leave the house today and so excited to know that each load lifts the burdens of too much in my life. What’s your “take it out Thursday” focus this week?
