The arrival of a large item of computer-related hardware into my Happy Room the other day caused something of a crisis. There was already scarcely any room in there for myself, let alone for anything else. Something had to give. Then a friend told me that her church was having a fund raising fair and she would happily relieve me of anything I would like to move on. Well, being the middle of Spring down this end of the planet just now, I guess it was the appropriate season for a spot of clearing out and cleaning up. Time to scutter the clutter I mutter and stutter.

A ruthless approach, two huge cardboard cartons and many bags later, it actually feels good… even a little exhilarating, refreshing, and much lighter on the soul. Too many possessions becomes oppressive. It is a Happier Room for being an emptier room. All those big and little things that attach like barnacles to the hull of a vessel start weighing oneself down as a burden more than a blessing. Stuff in stuffed cupboards, stuff in stuffed drawers. Paralytically stuffed by stuff, far more than enough. Well, these cartons and bags of barnacles are now ready to go. May my divested burden become a revested blessing, but elsewhere instead.

I think of Mother Teresa… one change of clothes and a bucket. I don’t think we are all called to have that little, but a lot less than what we have in this materialistic age of consumerism might work much better for many of us. Less having, more giving. That is certainly so for me.