Article June 11, 2012 Issue

Struggling with clutter?

Going forward with God's help

Heather Woodman

Have you ever had the feeling that you were drowning in clutter? Piles of unread magazines on every ledge. Batteries and light bulbs (used or unused?) in the fruit bowl. Cords or plugs relating to computers, television sets, or toasters in every corner or even under beds. Believe me, you’re not alone! Whenever I mention my work as an organizer to others, someone always pulls me aside wanting to talk about the struggle with clutter in his or her life.

Sometimes it’s just about finding a better filing system for the bills. Other times it may be a need to dig out from the tsunami of paper flowing into a home. The challenges with clutter are as individual as we are. Of course there are many magazines these days that are filled with practical steps to sanity. Clear one tabletop a day. One cupboard a weekend. When you buy a new jacket, make sure you let go of an old one. But while such practical steps can be useful, I find that they’re not really the most important place to start.

In my study and application of the truths in the Bible and Science and Health, I’m learning that the foundation for transforming our spaces and dealing with clutter has to be laid in thought first. I’m seeing more and more clearly that clutter and disorganization are not any part of our true nature as expressions of God, and they can have no hold on us when we pray and listen for His direction.

About the author

Heather Woodman lives on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and considers her organizing work an exhilarating part of her daily practice of Christian Science.

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Struggling with clutter?

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