Sorting

Several times I just wanted to throw everything out. I got tired of sorting, again and again, files, clothes, books, etc. It felt like I have been doing this for so long when in fact, we just started three weeks ago.  But it seemed like we opened a Pandora’s box of stuff and the monster came out, that is, an endless supply of objects to sort out.

 

I can’t help but get surprised time and time again when I see the things that my mother kept. I can’t blame her though. I know that our busy lives hindered her from organizing our material things. Spiritual, emotional, intellectual and relational matters are more important. But it is agonizingly hard choosing which to box in, to give away, to throw out, to maintain on the shelf, etc. This will go on for, I think, another month.

 

But since there is always something to learn from any aspect of our lives, here are some lessons I gleaned from the process of sorting.

 

1. Keep life simple. Give or throw away things that you don’t need. Better yet, do not buy unnecessary objects. Get only what you will really use.
2. Clean out your closet and clear out your table at least once a month. Don’t let your stuff pile up. Organizing is easier when it is done slowly.
3. This is not easy but try to think that the stuff you are sorting is not yours. It is so easy to get so sentimental about a frayed ribbon, an old and faded shirt, worn out shoes, etc.  Replay a constant question, will I miss this after five years?
4. Don’t maintain a box of “for repairs.” Trust me, you won’t get them repaired. Have them fixed as soon as possible. Otherwise, give it to someone who can repair and use it, either someone you know or a junkshop.