This post contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here.
***Post contains affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission off of purchases made through the links***
Last year I started something new for Lent. Instead of giving up something like cookies or chocolate I gave up clutter. I aimed to give up 40 items in 40 days and surpassed my goal. This year I’m aiming higher- 40 bags in 40 days and I am inviting you to join me!
Why?
I have found that clutter weighs me down. We live in a very small space so any extra stuff makes it feel like the walls are closing in on us. As I’ve started to minimize our “things” I have found much needed peace. I also notice that my 2 year old plays better with less toys. We live in a culture of such abundance that we are drowning in things. I want my boys to appreciate what they have and be generous to others. I think taking a minimal approach helps with these goals.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
-Matthew 6:19-21
I also think clearing out the excess helps me to focus on what really matters- which is what Lent is all about. Living simply helps me to focus on what is most important. I also like that rather than just denying myself some pleasure or another I am instead able to help others by donating or paying forward items that could be helpful. Lent is the time we prepare for Easter and the gift God gave us in His Son Jesus. And Jesus was pretty clear about wanting us to give to to others!
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
-Luke 6:38
The Rules
- Bags should be grocery bag size or larger
- Items can be donated, thrown away, sold, recycled, paid forward- as long as they leave your house!
- By Easter Sunday 40 bags should be gone!
I’m really excited about this! I’m hoping to be able to sell some of the baby stuffwe have outgrown to set up wardrobes in the next size for D. I have tons of my own clothes to donate and hope to also clear out a lot of other odds and ends.
I can’t wait to see pictures of everyone’s journey! Who’s in?