“Constantly choose rather to want less, than to have more.”
— Thomas à Kempis

Reflecting on the theme of “contentment” from our daily devotion on Every Day with Jesus, I decided that it was time to do some decluttering — to rid of some of the things that I no longer want or need and be happy with what I have.

The first thing I had to tackle was my wardrobe that was overflowing and getting messy by the day.

I started with just one shelf and I was astonished by the clothes I have amassed over the years. It took me hours to clear and tidy up my wardrobe with 3 shelves and 2 big compartments for hangers. Though I do declutter my wardrobe at least once a year, this time round I still managed to find quite a few pieces of clothing that I knew I had to bid farewell to. When I looked at the discarded clothes, it was plain to see that I should have gotten rid of them during my last few rounds of spring cleaning. But somehow I hang on to them even they no longer fit or in style/they were old or with holes/they did not look good on me anymore.

After settling down comfortably with a cup of tea when it was all done, I thought of what I had worked on for more than half a day and what I had accomplished. I realised that the process of decluttering what we have gathered over the years could be applied to our spiritual life too.

When was the last time we took stock of our spiritual life, had a closer look at it and did some necessary “clearance”? Are we holding on to something that we should have gotten rid of a long time ago, such as the feelings of hurt, anger, regret, guilt, shame, bitterness, hatred, unforgiveness, fear, worry and pride etc. etc.? When we refuse to let go of these feelings and instead, allow them to take root and clutter our heart and mind, how can we find room for God to come in and for us to truly experience Him and His wondrous blessings, and His works in us? When we declare that we surrender all, do we really?

Hebrews 10:22
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

and yes, the rail did give way in the end!