Stuff happens. Then more stuff happens. And before you know it, stuff has taken over, and you find yourself spending much more time than is reasonable just managing your stuff.
Our family has just enjoyed a week camping together. We started with two of us, added three more, then added two, then added five more. By the time the last ones had arrived, it became a challenge to find places to put everyone’s stuff. We managed it well, but it was tight at times!
Stuff is the biggest challenge for folks who make the crazy decision to move into a tiny house. Made popular by HGTV, tiny houses are a fascinating (if wholly unrealistic!) trend for folks desiring a more simple and uncomplicated life.
Tiny houses range from 300-500 square feet. Think of that: you need to cram a kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, living room, storage space, and an eating table in less than 500 square feet. And then….where do you put your STUFF?
What do you really need? If you could pare your life down to the essentials, what would remain? Imagine you had to move into a 300 square foot tiny house: what would you keep, and what would you throw away?
The early church found out. They actually sold all their things so that they could support one another and live together in community, where everyone had what they needed and nobody had too much:
Acts 2:45-47 Common English Bible (CEB)
45 They would sell pieces of property and possessions and distribute the proceeds to everyone who needed them. 46 Every day, they met together in the temple and ate in their homes. They shared food with gladness and simplicity.
47 They praised God and demonstrated God’s goodness to everyone. The Lord added daily to the community those who were being saved.
They shared, with gladness and SIMPLICITY.
Do you ever wish for a more simple life? Is life too complicated? Have you lost sight of the simple delights God has provided? What does the Lord desire for you…more stuff, or more simplicity?
I believe we are all called to simplicity. Removing anything that distracts us from our calling as disciples enables us to experience a certain level of godliness that comes with simple contentment. Paring down to the essentials of what is necessary is a pathway to holiness.
And you might even fit it all in a tiny house, with room left over.
1 Timothy 6 (NIV)
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
Tiny on!
At Water’s Edge 
As you remember, I tried dealing with purchasing too much stuff during Lent a few years ago. Im sorry to say I have fallen half-way off of the wagon. I still purchase too much stuff but not as much as I was. I keep praying for strength. And I keep donating stuff to the Goodwill. I know that with God’s help I can overcome this.
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As you remember, I tried dealing with purchasing too much stuff during Lent a few years ago. Im sorry to say I have fallen half-way off of the wagon. I still purchase too much stuff but not as much as I was. I keep praying for strength. And I keep donating stuff to the Goodwill. I know that with God’s help I can overcome this.
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As you remember, I tried dealing with purchasing too much stuff during Lent a few years ago. Im sorry to say I have fallen half-way off of the wagon. I still purchase too much stuff but not as much as I was. I keep praying for strength. And I keep donating stuff to the Goodwill. I know that with God’s help I can overcome this.
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When you practiced your Lent disciplines, things got better, right? Maybe go back to them and see if that helps.
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I will definitely try!
Lisa Doxey, And now these three remain; faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Corinthians 13:13
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Went from house to apartment…still have more stuff than needed. But MUCH less than before. B.
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You are an inspiration, my friend.
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When living in Hong Kong, I saw so many living in an area the size of a bath room.
When a medical missionary in Mexico I saw many living in tents with nothing but a blanket to keep them warm and one set of clothes
When teaching in Northern China most lived in mud huts about the size of a bedroom. When they had to go to the toilet they went outside ( including in – 60 f in the winter )
Yet, they were all the most loving, kind and respectful folks I ever met.
Most folks in the west have no idea how materialistic they are which makes them miserable Joseph- Anthony a son of Jehovah
When I came back to Canada to take care of mom I was shocked by the luxurious lifestyle yet the selfishness and arrogance of others
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We can become paralyzed by our overwhelming choices and ability for instant gratification, can’t we?
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