Month 1 Challenge: Possessions

    When Mike and I initially decided to do 7, I kind of thought we'd hear "Good luck with that" (drenched with sarcastic undertones). When explaining our plan, I figured we'd get strange stares and awkward silences. I'm surprised, however, that the most common response we got to our little adventure was "I want in!"
     Sure, we're stuck in our crazy little cycle of consumerism. But, we all want out. That's the most bizarre part of this whole thing. I explained to a friend this week how frustrated I get when I walk through my house. Seriously...there are things in here--I don't even know what they ARE! It's frustrating, to me, that I've spent so many hours working--so many hours away from my family--to buy so many things that don't matter at all. So, as my friend and I were talking, she kept repeating, "me too!" We all do it, and yet, we all hate that we do it.
     Anyway, the response that I got gave me hope. It doesn't have to be like this. We don't have to consume and waste the way that we do. There's a way out. There's got to be a door to let Jesus into this crazy cluttered life I live. I'm just hoping that this is a start.

So...Here it is...Month 1 Challenge: Possessions


     Before I can even touch the emotional, mental, and spiritual clutter, I have to get rid of the physical clutter. So,

1. One month.
2. We give away 7 things that we own.
3. Everyday.

     Don't laugh. I have this sneaky suspicion that it'll be easy to give away lots of my nifty, if completely impractical, kitchen tools. Clothes...no big deal. Shoes...kiss 'em goodbye. Tools...does it count if I give away my husband's impractical junk? But, oh...my throw blankets. I have one of every color, for every season, in every fabric you can imagine. I'm seriously concerned that I might have to give away one of my throw blankets. And, seriously...I have a special connection with each one. They make me happy...and warm. So, you can imagine my concern...

     Back to my point...my goal is to give these things away to those who need them. But, I think it's all too convenient to load things up and ship them off to Goodwill. We can avoid face-to-face contact with those who are in need. Makes it more comfortable to exist in my charmed world. So, I'm going to try to meet people who need the things I am giving up. 

    Anyhow, that's it...doesn't sound too bad, right? Sunday is Day 1. Let the de-cluttering commence.