Decluttering Our Soul

Did you know that socks can spark joy?

Marie Kondo wrote a book in 2014 called, The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up and it has sold over 9 million copies. There is even now a popular Netflix show around these principles and people are finding joy in having less . . . in getting rid of the clutter.

But are we ready to give up the clutter of our spiritual lives? The clutter that is clouding our soul?

To give an overview, Kondo’s bestseller teaches there is room for cherished mementos that “spark joy,” but not so much for empty boxes. Sort your belongings by category, not location. Fold better. Hold onto cherished photos, discard the rest. Reduce, reduce, reduce; discover what’s really necessary. Ask this question, does this bring you joy? If not, get rid of it.

One of her thoughts is, “We cannot change our habits until we change our way of thinking.”

We find ourselves saying, “I am tired of being sad. I don’t want to carry this burden anymore.” Yet . . . when we start thinking about the very things that cause sadness or make us feel as if we are carrying burdens, we don’t “stop” what we are thinking, we just continue.

If we want to let go of the darkness that overwhelms us and if we want to change and live a life free of heaviness, we must consciously make a change. We must choose to not dwell in the past or on the loss, but instead, focus on gratitude. Be in the here and now.

If we will recognize that it is ok to go into our pain, then go through our pain to get to the other side so that we can find peace and ACTUALLY DO IT . . . we will find that we can tidy up our emotional lives. But as Marie Kondo teaches, we have to be willing to get rid of things so that we can experience that peace.

Remember, Jesus said not to “cling” to him …we must stop holding on so tightly to the things that bring us pain.

John 14:27 New International Version (NIV)

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.