Having very few clothes in the closet could be a problem or a blessing, depending on your point of view. If you’re like me, you may have accumulated a large collection of clothes over the past few years, many of which never get used. Maybe they no longer fit, or maybe they are no longer in my favorites category–either way, they tend to just take up space. When I was young I had very few things for a few years and so I developed a “hold on to it forever” mindset. This was later reinforced by my stepfather who lived through the depression era where almost everything was saved or reused in some way. But now those habits of saving everything have cluttered my space to the point where I can hardly function. It’s time to clean out and do some serious simplifying. I only really need a few shirts, a few pants, and a few pairs of shoes. When all the old or unused items are cleared out and either thrown out or donated to the thrift store, I know it will be a blessing in more ways than one. I will have more space and a better organized closet. I will have less stress and less laundry to do. I’ll have more appreciation for the things that I keep. Others will be blessed with the items that get donated to the thrift store.
It’s a true statement, sometimes less is more. Sometimes what could be perceived as a problem can be a blessing in disguise. I’m sure there are many more “problems” in my life that could become blessings with a little change in perspective, and maybe a little work. Being out of shape is one such problem. Getting back in shape will definitely take work, but the rewards will surely be a blessing far beyond the costs. Less pain, more strength, ability to keep active, and a longer life are just a few fringe benefits of a little daily exercise.
Why not join me in finding a few more problems that can be recycled into blessings? I’m sure there are plenty to go around!
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. —James 1:2-3