I've been going through our things and making piles. It's been almost five years since our last yard sale. My goal is to avoid being featured on the show Hoarders.

I've had a great many lessons since my sister died recently. The one that's sticking with me now is; you can't take it with you. You might as well let it go so it fills a need somewhere. I can’t help but see how easy it is to fall into the trap of being possessed by your possessions.

I went through yet another taped box from our move years ago that was marked simply, "ATTIC." I sighed at the job in front of me. Inside the box, among college text books and essays I'd written, was a greeting card with this verse:

"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."—Matthew 6:21.

I knew I was on the right track.

from extended feature!

Sabra is a writer and editor at OurPrayer.org. Her blog is featured with permission of . Copyright 2011 by Guideposts, Carmel, New York 10512. All rights reserved.

Digging Out

Dishes clutter the counters and sink.

Laundry mounds up beside the washer.
Junk mail, shoes, and more
cover every flat surface.
I can't get out from under it all.

I need family and friends around me,
but I'm ashamed of how I live.
Lend me the vision I need
to see one small task
I accomplish each day.

Help me understand that things
did not get like this overnight.
Give me patience as progress
comes little by little.

Provide me the will and energy
for my chores so that order comes
to my home in the same way You
bring blessings and beauty to my life.

"HOARDER OR SHARER - WHICH ARE YOU?"