Organization and Good-Byes

Posted on Sunday, February 10, 2008 at 04:55

A new week, and plans for complete over-haul.  Whew, I am tired already!  And somewhat depressed, too.  It seems the more I try to clean and re-organize, the more I find that needs doing.  I wonder why that is?

Perhaps because I have years of accumilated things that I started and didn't get finished, or projects that I completed, but never really liked.  Ouch, the truth hurts!  I have spent a month or so paring down, but I avoided the office, school-room, craft room, because, I really didn't want to face it.  And today, I remember why! 

As many of you know, I love to do crafts, and I work on many different types, all of which bring me joy and satisfaction.  Yet, as I sit here, mulling over the mess I now have to clean and re-organize, I realize it is time to say good-bye to a few of those, too.  Because they are no longer projects.   They have become time-consuming hinderances for me.  I have to let them go, in the interest of a better, less chaotic, and more-productive routine.

So, today, I am saying good-bye to some old friends.  Cross-stich threads, books and cloth are on their way to a new home.  Jewelry beads, wire and assorted paraphenalia are also going the way of a trip to a neighbor who has great talent with them.  My best friend will receive a package of well-read art books and pamplets that have already been read at least ten times.  But for her, they are new and exciting blessings.  When I called to ask if she would like them, she was thrilled.

There are some things that will stay, of course.  My easels, a very-pared down collection of brushes, and paints, artist pigments and my favorite canvas stretcher will remain.  So, too, will the pre-made canvases that I can easily fit in the bureau that I will now use to store my craft items.  My Brother sewing machine, a gift from my loving Hubby, will now have a place of honor on a small sewing table that I found a week ago for ten dollars at the Salvation Army.  All of my materials and patterns will be cataloged and placed in one drawer of the bureau.  Some of those too, will find their way to other homes.

At this moment, I find myself quite torn.  I have made myself, and God,  a promise to get things in order.  Yet, I am sad.  Many of these items hold special memories for me.  The cross-stitch pattern that I used to make a sampler for my best friends wedding, and small pieces of cloth I used to make my girls' dresses are included in the boxes.  So many memories.  Yet, even in my sadness, I know that God has greater plans for these things.  I am no longer the master of their destiny.  He is.

He may use the cross stitch thread, and patterns to bless the home of another young couple.  The small collection of cloth may make a quilt that will warm a precious child.  The jewelry that my friend will make may grace the neck of a young girl, or a mother who longs for some certain design only my friend can make.  Oh, I may not know what will happen to my collection, but I know I can trust God to place them where they are most needed.  Perhaps, in saying so long to these things, He is opening a window for me to draw closer to Him.  Perhaps, when my life is less cluttered, I will find that my time is better spent in quiet contemplation.  Yes, my hands will be less busy, but so will my mind. 

Yes, Lord, yes.  To Him be all the honor and glory, for the things He has done, and will continue to do in my life!

God bless you all in the coming week!

                                                          Mistypearl

Letting go can be hard!

Posted by fcusick on Sunday, February 10, 2008 at 08:02 - Link

Dear sister in Christ,

He has you on this path of clearing and cleaning to free you up for a new purpose. He will reveal it in His time but hang on! He always does amazing things!

Blessings,
Flossie

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Posted by gabbie427 on Sunday, February 10, 2008 at 08:22 - Link

I can understaqnd the attachment to your beloved craft items and other things. I am one of those too!!! LOL I am trying to reorganize and pair down as well!!

I love the fact that you said these things are going to a new home!!!! This is the way I have to think about it when donating things to the Thrift Shop, etc.

God's Blessings,
Amy Jo

:0)

Posted by pinkhorseofcourse on Sunday, February 10, 2008 at 11:27 - Link

Ahhh Misty! *hugs* What a wonderful person you are, with amazing insight! I can only hope someday, to be half as wise as you are, in my daily dealings. *sigh* Blessings to you!!
~Jennifer

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Posted by Isabella on Monday, February 11, 2008 at 07:49 - Link

Misty, Hello! I have cleaned (almost) everything in the house. I have our closet, ds closet, and toys in ds room. They were left last for a reason (lol.). Happy cleaning day. I