A friend of mine is a semi-professional organizer. She can easily look at a room and guide her client into gently reorganizing the space from chaos to harmony. It’s truly a gift, which she loves to share with the world.
When discussing a particular room in my home with her, I realized how attached I had become to certain “things.” I knew I had outgrown them, but the sentimental value gripped me so strongly, I couldn’t let them go – even though the sight of them caused the feeling of clutter within me.
My friend then wisely suggested I try the fourth box rule. When organizing, we create a box for “throw out” items, a second one for “keepers” and a third for “donation.” The fourth box, however was an option I didn’t know was available. She suggested putting the “clutter but can’t let go” items into the fourth box, then put the box in the garage or attic for a year. I was to revisit the box in twelve months’ time to determine if my feelings about the contents had changed.
When I opened the box twelve month later, my feelings did, indeed change. I realized it wasn’t the objects in the box that I wanted to keep. Rather, it was the memories of the people and places that touched my heart that I wanted to retain. I could lovingly release the objects, while keeping the love in my heart that they invoked.
The Power of Order is our ability to clarify our values, to set priorities for our lives and to discern what is really important. We use the Power of Order every day, whether we realize it or not. We use it in ways that enliven us (with harmony) or deplete us (with chaos). The choice is always ours.
We look forward to seeing you this Sunday, whether in-person or on Zoom, as we take a deeper look at the wonderful Power of Order.
Blessing you abundantly,
Rev. Eileen
