Rebecca and I have been married only a year and already our apartment is jam packed. Going through my stuff to see what I could 'let go of,' was an interesting thought process. I noticed a couple of things about my mindset that could always stand to be evaluated.
Why do we have so much stuff? Do we need it? Some of it yes, some of it no. The obvious stuff I no longer wanted (more appropriate word than needed) was easy to put towards the garage sale. However, the vast majority of it I wanted to keep. Is it because I need it? Do I use it often? Probably not. So why is it so hard to get rid of? Could it be I define myself and find comfort in my possessions? Unfortunately, all too often. If salvation in Jesus and eternal life in heaven is what we profess, then that should always define us, not our possessions. If eternity in heaven is our promise than what earthly possessions could possibly compare to that comfort.
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." - Matthew 6:21A second thing I noticed about selling my stuff, was the huge drop in value things take. The few things that did sell brought pennies on the dollar for what I paid for them. All the time, effort, and money put into buying, storing, moving these things and then they are practically worthless in such a short time.
Both of these reasons reminded me of the wisdom needed when purchasing stuff. No expenditure is above personal discretion as small ones can add up and it easy to make habits. When I am out and there are opportunities to buy things I want more than need, I have started telling myself 'I can do without that for a little longer,' and I have yet to have missed any one of those things I considered buying. Its always good to get rid of some of your stuff and remind yourself of what is important.
"Live like no one else, so you can live like no one else." - Dave Ramsey
