Here is a wonderful post from Kelli at The Sparrow’s Nest. If you don’t read her blog regularly, she and her husband are in the midst of carrying out a significant choice to downsize. Here’s a bit from the post:
Trying to let go of things is not an easy task. When looking at the 50 percent of things we do not need, I am frequently faced with pangs of guilt surrounding these items. First of all, I feel guilt the fact that we actually bought things that we did not need. Secondly, I feel guilt over the waste of hard-earned money. Thirdly, I feel guilt about letting these unnecessary items go. After all, aren’t they worth something after all?
I can so relate to this. I have struggled with this as well, especially in the first years we were getting rid of things and downsizing. And I still struggle with it at times, although not as much because we purchase much less than we used to and have become much more strategic in our buying habits.
Choosing to live with less is sometimes hard. Not because it is inherently difficult, but because you are constantly swimming against the tide both culturally and in our human nature. There are still times I long for another bedroom, another office, a bigger basement, a bigger yard, newer cars, more trips, a two car garage, a fireplace, etc.
But the truth of the matter is we have everything we NEED now and a whole lot more. Yes, it would be nice to have more and in some ways it would make life around here a little easier.
But as I have said before, I just remind myself that I can have all those things.
For us it would necessitate probably moving out of our home state, both of us working full-time, my going back to finish my Masters degree, putting Caroline in daycare, and rarely being together as a family. NOTHING on that list of things I wish I had comes even close to tempting me to make those choices when I contemplate what I would have to sacrifice. But regularly reminding myself that I have a choice does make it easier when I can feel the temptation to be discontent rising up.
I am so looking forward to reading how God leads the Wilt family in the months ahead!
Thank you for this post. In the last six months I’ve done quite a bit of downsizing in order to make our small home feel more comfortable and less cluttered/overwhelming. Lately, though, it’s been difficult. With all the Christmas buying coming into full swing I see so many things I like, but do not need. I’ve been struggling with contentment, and your post was just what I needed.
I left Mrs. Wilt a note at her blog, but wanted to type one here as well. This past year our family sold our 1500 sq. foot home (which we thought was small, ha!) and paid off all our debt. We now live in a tiny 850ish-900 sq foot house and we will be renting until we can afford to build again and have a small(er) mortgage. Our deepest desire would be to pay CASH for a house (to think it is even possible!!!)
The hardest part was not selling the house. I do miss my other house, but I like being debt free even more. What has been hard is the reaction of friends and family. we have been ridiculed openly and privately. We have seen our church friends make fun of us. Sadly, this world has changed so much that even Church folk think a big house with a big mortgage, 2 car payments, a financed big screen tv, and lots of “toys” and credit cards to pay for them is the NORMAL WAY OF DOING THINGS. When someone like ourselves goes out and does it differently, they feel somewhat affronted, and they respond in ridicule, either open or private.
We have had family members literally think we are crazy for giving up a house and becoming “lowly renters.”
In the end, you have to do what you know is in God’s will. For us, being debt free is huge.
It will take time, and I really don’t love this rent house, but in time when I get that house that is nearly paid for, and it is truly a blessing, it will be worth it!!!
Dear Sallie,
I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your writing. You’re doing a great job with the Suite 101 posts…loved how articulate and creative your suggestions were. I tried to leave you a comment on a couple of your posts but my computer keeps messing up :0. So, please know I have sent you several encouraging notes! 🙂
I really like how you pointed out here that we do have a choice. That’s a wonderful reminder. Our family is trying to live on less also, and it’s wonderful to hear your encouragement to continue.
Blessings to you, Kat
I did read Mrs Wilt’s post and thought it wonderful. I’ve written a post myself today on a slightly similar theme…although mine is rather a complaint about modern houses and our obsession with status rather than home.
Tonya – You are very welcome! Thank you for your comment. 🙂
{{{{{{{Lindsey}}}}}}} – Isn’t it amazing that even if you don’t say anything about your decision beyond the briefest sharing of facts regarding what you did, people will just run with it? I think so often people ridicule and such because they have to respond in some way and this is the only way they know how to respond that doesn’t force them to actually THINK AND CONSIDER on a deeper level what you are doing. Because to think and consider might mean making a change themselves and that is scary beyond words for some people.
Love Sows Seeds – Thanks for your comment. Here is the link to your post which I thoroughly enjoyed!
Kat – Thank you for your kind words, including the ones that were lost! I’m glad you have enjoyed the Suite101 articles. I’m really enjoying writing them. 🙂
Sallie,
I recently posted on this as well. I am really struggling with the whole idea of what is “enough”. And I also struggle with this reality that I have seen in my own church too:
Lindsay at ETJ said:
There has got to be a balance somewhere. Who would of thought that being debt-free would become a “counter-cultural” thing to do?