Thursday, September 25, 2008

Clutter...I don't like it, so why does it hang around?


Okay, I'm determined that this will be a short (versus rambling) post.

Today, two of my projects are to tackle the top of my hope chest (which serves as a bed-side stand) and the top shelf of my closet - you know; that top shelf, where you put things you don't have any place for, and which never is cleaned or organized.

If I can get both those spaces cleared I will be doing well. ...But not just cleared - they need to be organized, so that they will stay neat!

I tend towards a minimalist taste in room furnishings. I like space to think. Space to breathe. Perhaps it comes from being raised in a small house with eight people, but I really like seeing space that is just for being there - space with nothing in or on it.

I also like the country look - pretty and practical. I like the saying:

"Have nothing in your home which you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."

I like furnishings to have a purpose - no cluttered Victorian look for me! And no modern plastic or synthetic look - I prefer wood, wicker, cotton, linen, etc. Real stuff.

Okay. Enough about my own personal tastes. If I'm so into "everything having a place, and everything in it's place," why is my room so messy this morning?

Because man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upwards, I suppose. :)

...In any case, I hope to soon have a room that lives up to the saying "cleanliness is next to godliness."

What do y'all think of that saying, anyway?

6 comments:

Sarah said...

I feel quite the same about having open space. Since we moved to a larger home I enjoy bare expanses of wall and floor. As far as "cleanliness is next to godliness" I am not sure of the origin of that saying! I think we ought to strive to keep our bodies and our minds clean so as to honor the Holy Spirit who lives within us and as a result of that we should strive to keep our surroundings neat and tidy since we are stewards of the belongings the Lord has given us. I think our striving for godliness should affect everything we do - cleaning included! :)

Amber said...

Very well put, Sarah Jane.

Michelle said...

I'm the same way. We live in a small home (1000sqft) and there is 6 of us in the family. My house clutters VERY quickly. Espically since my husband is opposite of me and tries to fill up every open space he can. I thnk it's a security thing for him.

Sarah said...

I hope that your 'un-cluttering' went well, Amber! I, too, do not care for clutter and appreciate the simple, old-fashioned, 'country' look! Yet, another similarity we have. ;)

Sarah said...

Just had to share, Amber . . . I made the pumpkin butter today, and it was delicious! Definitely something that we will be making again! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe!

Amber said...

Michelle; living in a small house with "clutter people" can tend to create friction sometimes, can't it? I try to look at it as an exercise in patience. :) I love people more than space, and I'm sure you do too. :) Of course, I'm not always so neat, myself!

Sarah; I'm so glad you tried the pumpkin butter! I was sure you'd like it.