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.