[Joke] A woman had a dream. God appeared to her and said, "I'm going to grant you another 40 years, 8 months and 22 days of life." Well, she woke up very excited. She thought, “If that's going to happen, I'm going get a little bit of body work done.”
So she went to a Plastic Surgeon and if you could nip it or tuck it, push it or pull it, she had it done. When the doctors were finished, she really looked good. To celebrate, she decided to treat herself to a night on the town. But just as she was crossing the busy downtown street, a car ran a red light. Bam! The car hit her and . . . well, suddenly she found herself in heaven, standing before God.
"I don't understand it, God. You said you'd grant me another 40 years, 8 months and 22 days of life, and here I am standing before you. What happened?" God looked at the woman and said, "I'm sorry, but I didn't recognize you."
We can spend our entire lives trying to be beautiful. We can spend so much energy on “accumulating stuff.” When I was up in Canada last week, I became aware of how much stuff that I have at home. And I am aware of how much I DON’T need.
It is even the same with money. So many of us want to hang onto as much money as we can. Some of the richest people I know are not happy. Some of those who give away their money, make donations are some of the happiest.
It is amazing. What is your money for? That extra thing, that upgrade, that new and improved gadget will not make you happy. Like the man in the gospel who keep adding more and more stuff to his life. Jesus makes clear that our lives are not about amassing fortunes or achieving great renown.
So what do we do with all the stuff that we have? Well there is a technique called the “Kondo Magic.” It is from a woman named Marie Kondo, who is an Japanese expert in “tidying up” life. She has written many books about the topic including, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. She takes the technique of Feng-shui and brings it to a whole new level.
Marie Kondo's approach to keeping and disposing of possessions center on three principles:
First, she advises that you pick up each item you own and ask yourself if that thing "sparks joy." It takes time and thoughtfulness, but asking that question of every possession can be liberating. If done correctly, you find yourself living happier with less.
Second, Marie Kondo points out that the hardest things to get rid of are the things that make you feel guilty. An example: the expensive dress you bought five years ago and wore only once because it made you feel dumpy, or the ugly but expensive knickknack given to you by a close relative or friend. Let it go - to some charity that can see that it's put to good use.
And, third, Marie Kondo writes, "If you're having a hard time getting rid of something, thank the item for the role it has already played in your life." For example, say, Thank you for giving me joy when I bought you or Thank you for teaching me what doesn't suit me. Then you're free to let it go.
It may all sound a little ridiculous, but Marie Kondo's charming if slightly insane tips can bring great peace of mind. You approach what you own as the means to joy and not joy in themselves; in new ways, you realize how blessed you have been in what you have.
Marie Kondo's quirky approach to decluttering, like the parable of the rich man's barns, challenges us to look at all the "stuff" we possess and to realize the real valuables in our lives.
Often something's true worth has nothing to do with its monetary value or the momentary pleasure it gives us. Its value is in the memories it preserves, in the time it saves us for more important and joyful pursuits, in its enabling us to experience the selfless and affirming love of God in the good we are able to do for family and friends. Jesus calls us to take inventory of our lives and the things that "clutter" them and refocus our attention on the things of God: compassion, mercy, forgiveness, consolation.