This week Michael and I have taken on the project of cleaning out our closets / doing a major de-clutter on our house. We’ve lived here less than two years and have no kids, and it is insane to me how much stuff we accumulate, that we hardly use and definitely do not need. 3 days into the decluttering process and we’ve already taken two car loads worth of stuff to Good Will!
Part of the reason we have so much stuff (obviously) is because of the nature of my job. As a content creator / blogger / influencer / whatever you want to call this profession…I have the privilege of getting to try out so many beauty products and hair tools and clothing from brands. It really is so much fun, and I love opening packages every day. But to be honest with you, having that much stuff can really start to just consume/overwhelm you and make you lose sight of priorities.
With Christmas just around the corner, this is obviously a time for buying things or making a list of things you want. So between the upcoming holiday and this decluttering process, I’ve realized how much we all (I, especially) have such a tendency for more. Another set of pajama pants, another pair of OTK boots, another super cozy cardigan. More food, more money, more cars…more and more and more. All in a deep search for satisfaction and security, grasping for something to make us feel “enough”.
Don’t get me wrong – obviously I don’t think there’s anything wrong with spending your money on clothes or things you really enjoy. (Did I really need this adorable oversized olive green cardigan? Probably not, but I love it, spent less than $50 on it and feel great about it). So, while I don’t think there’s anything wrong with buying clothes or things you enjoy, I’ve come to realize how these things, this stuff, will never fully satisfy us. If these “things” are what we are looking to to make us feel satisfied or secure…we will be left always wanting more.
Outfit details: Olive green cardigan | Similar striped tee here and here | Distressed skinny jeans | Slouch boots | Fringe bag | Tortoise sunglasses | Tassel earrings
It is something every human being does. It separates us from the rest of creation. It causes us much anxiety and much joy…We all are looking for something in which to place our hope. We’re all in search for security.
[From New Morning Mercies by Paul Tripp]
I absolutely love shopping and buying clothes and putting outfits together, but I’ve come to realize how fleeting this is. Yes it’s fun, and in a way how I make a living…but when I attempt to find my satisfaction or my security in the clothes that I have or the way that I look…I will always be left empty.
So where is hope to be found? Hope that will never disappoint or shame you really is found in three of the most glorious words ever penned in human language…’God is love’.
So this Christmas season, as you’re thinking about things that you want or buying new outfits for holiday parties…do so with joy and a thankful heart! But I pray that you remember and that the Lord makes you aware that He alone is the only place we will find security and satisfaction. I heard this quote from Matt Chandler’s sermon a few weeks ago and found it to be so true: “The comfort that our souls are hungry for can only be given by the Creator of our soul.”
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend filled with joy and rest! Remember that you are enough because Christ says that you are!
xo Lauren
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