Finding Peace by decluttering our Lives During Lent

I often feel like I am juggling on a daily basis church, wife, mother, worker, student, daughter, sister, and friend.  Being a mom is well not just “being a mom”, I know that you can relate. 

During Lent I often find myself searching for something to bring me closer to my faith. Sometimes it is giving up things, like this year I chose bread and chocolate.  These are two of the hardest food sacrifices for me.  I wanted to make a change in my life. Most of the people in my family are diabetic, and I am trying to make a change so that I can be a good example for my children. 

I was online the other day and found an article about “40 bags for 40 days,” and thought what a great idea!  http://www.pinterest.com/kterpstra/40-bags-in-40-days/  By giving up things that I no longer need or want, I will be helping others that do need these things.  I was talking to some friends the other day about this and it seems that we all in one way or another keep things that we never use.  For instance if it belonged to a family member that has passed away, we  feel; well at least I feel sort of a need or obligation to keep it just because it belonged to them. Sometimes these are things that I will NEVER EVER use, much less look at.  When there are so many people these days struggling, it just seems the right thing to share with others that would need something.  I am a few days behind, but this website breaks everything down so easily, I am going to catch up. By the end of Lent, I am going to have 40 bags.  There I said it, I wrote it, therefore…. I have to do it.  I will update you as Lent goes on and let you know how I am progressing.  I think that once I get past the first few bags it will be easier. 

This purging of unwanted/unneeded things in my life I feel will simplify my life.  I like to spend most of my time spending time with my family and doing outdoor activities, so I know that by de-cluttering my home during Lent, it will make my life simpler where I can concentrate on the things that are the most important to me, God and Family. 

I hope that you will join me in this purging of material things, and hope that you will find that it makes your lives better as well.