As we begin another New Year many of us, once again, make New Year’s Resolutions.  One of the top resolutions is to lose weight.  What about instead of focusing on losing just body weight, we set out to also lose other types of weight?  How about shedding the excess clutter and baggage in our homes, as well as in our lives?  The Lord said:  “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light”. (Matthew 11:30)

Why do we keep holding on to those things that are not edifying in our lives?  We have so much clutter and unnecessary things in our homes that we are consumed by them.  So much valuable time is wasted in shopping for more.  Why are we never content with what we already have?  We waste so much time looking for things that should be easily found.  We fall deeper into debt and the burden of paying our bills becomes even a larger stress factor in our lives.  And then, of course, we have to attempt to maintain the mountain of things we accumulated.

Why not instead de-clutter and be thankful and content with what we already have?  Why not simplify our lives to allow us to spend our time on much more positive things like our families, friends, neighbors, others in need, and most importantly our time with God.

We also hold on to the clutter in our minds, such as negativity, unforgiveness, and even bitterness.  Imagine what it would be like to live a stress free life without all this excess.  Let this year be a new beginning of letting go of the things, thoughts, and attitudes that bog us down.  “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”. (I Peter 5:7).

Let us ask the Lord, Jesus, for His contentment and help to get rid of the excess weight.  “But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. (I Timothy 6:6-8)

Wishing You A CONTENTED New Year!