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Keeping my Mind Free of Clutter | Minimalism of Worry

 

I have had a lot of stressers lately, but most are in my head!  It is good to recognize the reality of the physical world and the mental world and how they relate.  Here are a few of my worries, without details that do not belong on a public post:

The death of my brother and relationships (old and new)

Work difficulties

Helping friend through divorce

Helping son get back on his feet (spending money)

Helping son get his house back in order

Not having communication from the third son

Need for a new car or patience and prayer that this one holds up

To take a vacation (car complicates) to travel or not

How to celebrate our 30 anniversary without travel

No money for vacation or car and trying to pay down bills

Cell phone situation as it took dip in the water


And there it is.  Worry.  Cluttering the brain.  I have a roof over my head, food in my belly, clothes on my back, bills paid (albeit far from paid off), a car that is currently moving, and family and friends.  I always tell myself these things to keep things in perspective.  I'm okay!  The rest is just worry in my head.  It is cluttering up my head!


I have been reading Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes 1:18 For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

These are the notes I wrote on this verse:


There is a trend for minimalism which I find myself desiring to follow. The more stuff you have, the more stress and troubles you have to maintain that stuff. Here Solomon indicates the same with wisdom. The more you know, the more you are vexed with troubles and hurts and sorrows increase. Happiness is found no more in stuff than it is in wisdom and knowledge, and especially in understanding wisdom. Whether physical stuff or mental stuff, everything comes with a responsibility. We are responsible to be good stewards of what God gives us. God gave Solomon a lot of wisdom and that was a huge responsibility! Sometimes I am just better off not knowing something. The adage is: "ignorance is bliss." I sometimes envy those who are naive. Psalm 90:14 "Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." 


Lord, when I am making my way through the piles of physical clutter, let me trust You to keep my mind free of the clutter.

 

Written June 22, 2016

Copyright Cheryl Rutledge-Brennecke
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