My 40 bags in 40 days Lenten challenge in now complete for another year. Last year I was able to fill 40 bags, which means a lot of clutter and miscellaneous items were removed from my home. When I started the challenge this year, I wasn't sure if I would be able to find 40 bags from the areas I had in mind. But, the process remains the same, no matter how many bags you fill. You are making space both in your home and in your mind. You are freeing yourself of the past and moving towards a future, that is calmer and a home only filled with what you really need. During lent, you are using the 40 days to take something on, instead of giving something up. And in writing about it here, I am showing my faith to the world.
I was able to fill 27 bags this year. My total bags included 12 to donate, 14 to the trash and 1 bag of books for the library. I donated servings pieces, I never used, but were taking up space in a basement storage area. Many clothes, from every member of the family, will now be used by those who need them. Both a hall closet and my laundry room closet and cabinets were emptied and I feel uplifted when I see the space and the organization.
This Lenten challenge has been good for me in many ways. It is something I will continue to do, whether I am able to fill 40 bags or not. It is the process that is good for your soul.
Have a wonderful Easter weekend!
Posted with Blogsy
I agree, it is about the process. I have been cleaning out too...and it is freeing! I still have areas to tackle. While we don't really have a lot of "clutter", we do have a lot of stuff. Unnecessary stuff. I plan to spend the next month before baby girl arrives home for a few weeks clearing things out. I would rather have more time, than stuff.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a Blessed Easter!!!
Happy Easter, Vicki!
ReplyDeleteThis was a wonderful challenge. Congratulations on your accomplishment. I did the same and filled 24, and during the process of clearing out....I remembered the reason for why I was doing it ...with every bag that was filled. People will benefit from this challenge...My final bag is going to be full of cans of food. I'll take it to Church today and put it in the food barrel.Thanks for giving me the idea last year. Have a wonderful Easter....Balisha
ReplyDeleteA cleaning out of our closets is like a cleaning out of our spirits. Congrats on filling so many bags. xo Laura
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your accomplishment. What a good feeling that must be. I didn't do very well with my challenge. Being sick for 3 weeks didn't help. But I did manage to get rid of a few bags.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Easter!
Vicki, letting go of the old stuff, regardless of what it is, is always good for the soul!...Happy Easter...:)JP
ReplyDeleteI did the same and need to do more. Great post
ReplyDeleteKiddos to you! What a great experience and sense of accomplishment! I plan on spending my summer purging of many unwanted items! Hope you and your family have a Happy Easter !
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous idea. I'm going to keep this in mind for next year.
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter!
Good for you! I didn't do quite as many as I got sick shortly after Lent started. But probably got twelve bags done. Either way, it feels good to purge your house and your mind.
ReplyDeleteI bet that really feels good! I need to do some serious clearing out! Have a blessed weekend dear friend, HUGS!
ReplyDeleteWell done You.
ReplyDeleteI adore that quote--and brava to YOU for purging 27 bags! Well done!
ReplyDelete