"sen-TEA-ment"

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself....(Acts 20:24, KJV)

Sipping my morning brew from a cuppa with much sentimental value had warm nostalgia tugging at me as I began my Tea With Thee time. Certainly, there is a place for sentimentality in our lives. My "stuff" reflects my sentimental nature. I have LOTS of sentimental "tea" items.

But God....through today's My Utmost for His Highest entry, "Could This Be True of Me?" (3/4) got my attention. "It is easier to serve God without a vision (or call) because then you are not bothered by what God requires." Oswald Chambers likened such behavior as "actions guided by common sense, veneered over with Christian sen-TEA-ment."  Not focusing on "what God requires." Service for the Lord is NOT a place for sentiment. Sentiment can give a distorted spiritual picture. More me than Thee. Just a veneer to make my service look pretty.

Chambers' entry spoke to my heart because I am so influenced by my emotions and feelings----that it can become a detriment. Plus, I'm pragmatic to the core and both emotions and practicality can be a deterrent to "abandonment to God." (Chambers)

May I pray, as Chambers concluded. "Lord may I not consider if I am of use but may I only consider that I am Yours. May I serve You and do only what you require---act with justice, love kindness and walk humbly with you, O God." (Micah 6:8)

ORGANIZED CLUTTER IS STILL CLUTTER………….

8/21/11 Organized clutter IS clutter…………I know that…… Maryanne Macdonald taught me that in one of her continuing ed organizational classes back in the 90s. But it’s still hard---especially when I found these cute “Dotsy” bins to keep up with my Dotsy Details blog stuff. (Just in case I might ever need it.) I still intended to cull a little---I have always been a lady of good intentions. This time I meant business.,,,,,,,until I got to the sentimental stuff. Then I really struggled. I’ve tried to give it to my children but mostly they say, “You keep it or just throw it away.” How can I throw away…. the best of show rosette that Josh won in the junior horticulture division at the Mid-South Fair....Or Molly’s Italian leather size 0 baby shoes, a “namesake” gift from my college roomie, Molly P….or Buddy’s poem’s published in Ridgeway’s literary magazine, “The Carousel” ?????

I think I’ve justified myself by thinking if I have “like things” together, ( another Maryanne tip) especially if they are color-coded and labeled and stored in alphabetical order, retrieval will be easier. But will I remember this formula? Will anyone ever even want me to retrieve them?

Let all things be done decently and in order. (I Corinthians 14:40) KJV

This verse could have affirmed my rationale except that in context, it really deals with orderly worship. But it did open my eyes to question this pseudo-rationale of mine. Am I worshipping my “stuff?” Is it fitting to hold on to so much stuff saying it’s of sentimental value, when those who hold this memory really aren’t interested? Having just cleaned out 2 houses, following deaths of loved ones, I’ve seen that what one person treasures another can throw in the trash. Eventually most of it will be thrown away. Why prolong the process or leave it for others to do after my death?

Quite a conundrum----but one fact remains, organized clutter is still clutter, even if I can find it easier.