During this Lenten season and as preparation for the race, I have decided to purge one item a day. I have already bagged clothing items to donate and have sifted through “stuff” that is just unnecessary to have lying around. This purging was sparked by a documentary I recently watched called, The Minimalist. The stories of these people living with less was encouraging and they were describing how having less is so freeing and how simplifying their life made them happier.
I related this back to my life and realized how often I get stressed out about what I am going to wear before a night out and have wasted so much time staring at my closet trying to make a decision. If I just kept the key pieces of clothing I always resort to wearing anyway, my night would be so much more enjoyable. Then I thought, Why stop at clothes? I have accumulated tons of just stuff I might not ever use but am holding on to it “just in case” I need it in the future. I have ended up with clutter which distracts me all the more from the things that I actually want to value in life. I want to free myself of all these distractions and excess to focus on God, my relationships and the things I treasure in life.
“Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies from me; give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”
-Proverbs 30:7-9
While on the race I will only have one backpack for all of my needs, including bedding, clothing and all other necessities. Everything I own will fit in one pack I will have to carry on my back. Purging excess in my life now will start to prepare me for living with less, the bare essentials. I have already felt my lightened by purging some clothing and have made a list of bigger things I am going to sell or donate before my departure. Like the verse above states, too much and I risk falling away from God for provision yet, too little I could fall into stealing/sinful acts. I pray to my Abba, Father to give me just what I need and I pray for strength in trusting Him with being my Provider.
