Do all things decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:40)
Jen Hatmaker had a similar epiphany and in her witty and truthful book, 7-- an experimental mutiny against excess, she documented her "journey of less." Seven months, seven areas, reduced to seven simple choices. Some months she only ate 7 foods. Other months only 7 articles of clothing were worn. Her experiences and foibles provided an entertaining read.
Hatmaker's goal for her exercise in simplicity, was to create space for God's kingdom to break through. A noble goal. Certainly nobler than mine. I desire relief.
Too much stuff, even events on my schedule were robbing me of my joy with family, friends and the Lord. I had even considered "drugs" but upon re-reading parts of Hatmaker's book, I decided to forgo the doc visit and with the Lord's help/direction, rid some excess in my life---it's indecent to not only have so much but also to do too much. It's indecent "to be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:3)
My plan allows for God to teach me rather than just checking one more endeavor off of my "spiritual" list. In other words, I've given myself permission to allow God's grace to trump completing "my goal."
Goal: Throw away, give away or delete from my calendar........7 things a day for 7 weeks. Giving away includes boxing up for daughter's garage sale or delivering to charity by the last day of project. (2/1/13)
My favorite "creative culling" so far included combining vitamins and supplements (more air than pills) from 2 or 3 bottles in to 1 (purchased on sale, I'm sure) so that there was room in my "basket." Then I could read the colored labels on top---thus helping diffuse my frustration when SEARCHING for right one for my daily pill box. Frustration so robbed me of my joy, that when my vitamin D or my 81 mg aspirin fell on the floor, I treated the mishap as a life or death matter. If others had seen or heard my tizzy, they might have called 911. Days like that had me reconsider doc's RX as an option. Such tizzies can happen when one is so-o-o concerned about order that indecency creeps in and negates the intent of the verse.
Decency (God's way) and order (God's methods and timing must go hand in hand!)
Think about that along with those 7 words from God's word.
