Fire! What Would You Take?
In response to a post I made here last week, Jennifer said, “Every time I think about more “stuff”, I just think about my house catching on fire and what I’d want to take. Besides my kids and husband–not a lot. May not be the happiest mindset, but it’s saved us thousands :)!”
I nodded along and have been thinking of that line since. I’ve even started to do a mental inventory of what I’d grab. And seriously, I have come up with nothing. Not even photos. I know, I know…photos are full of memories and smiling faces. I wouldn’t risk my life for them, but maybe I’d grab them on my way out, I don’t know. That frame of mind has helped me rid our home of even MORE stuff this week. I’ve made two trips to Goodwill this week with my station wagon full of boxes and bags of clothes that are worn out or outgrown, kitchen stuff that doesn’t get used, toys that take up too much space and get used not enough.
There is nothing in my home other than my family that I would mourn the loss of in the event my home was demolished. Every single thing is replaceable or memorable in that I can always just think back with fond thoughts and not need the tangible item to be happy.
Say I did have to start ALL over, from nothing to building my life and possessions back up. Chances are I wouldn’t replace anywhere near all the stuff I have now. My life is minimal. We don’t have a whole lot as it is, but if I had to start over, I am certain we’d obtain even less because so much of what we have is simply kept because we have it and not because we necessarily continue to need it or use it.
There is a balance to all things in life and I am okay with having things that are “luxuries” or having more of something than I *need*. I don’t think we need to live in squalor but we don’t live in excess either. I still am struggling to find the right balance for us. Thinking of an event like a fire or other natural disaster, I don’t see myself grabbing anything but my kids and never looking back. I wouldn’t be one of those people standing amidst the rubble of my home shedding tears over lost material goods. That image helps me fill the boxes and get rid of things more easily.
February 29th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Well, if I could get my hands on it without risking myself, I’d grab my laptop. But otherwise, I’d just make sure Micah was ok.
February 29th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
It IS hard to find that balance, and I’m sure I’ve crossed the line, many times over. I tend to be an extremist, anyway.
However, I do believe that our homes need to be inviting to our family members… comfortable and cozy - “homey.” Memories are very important to my children and they often recall good memories when they can touch or see something tangible - a favorite childhood book, the scrapbook that records details that may have been easily forgotten, baby blankets, the smell of the linens, the items on the mantle. They have been there for their entire life, and it seems to bring them a sense of home, of comfort, a sense of well-being. Of course they are taught constantly that these are NOT the source of well being or security, but children, especially, are objective little creatures who grasp bigger concepts slowly, through touch and feel and all the senses. And using all the senses well in your home adds so much “roundness” to life and experience! Beauty is an important thing to add to the life of a child, and the life of a family, I think - the world can be such an ugly place outside these 4 walls.
For those who lose household items in disasters of any kind, I think the sadness comes in losing that ability to touch and feel the past - to linger over and really stop and remember. Of course, you can do that without the items, but the items themselves bring with them a sense of connection, somehow, to both the people you’ve loved and the past you lived in together. Does that make sense?
It has taken us 17 years to fill our home with well-loved objects, (yes, we have our junk, too, and I’m with you - PURGE IT, BABY!!! and we do, quite frequently!) and these objects do represent something. I see this and I think of the giver, I feel that and I remember when I bought it for the baby. etc… Those things are what make this house MY HOME instead of just 4 walls to live within. It doesn’t have to be out of control, it can be tasteful and even wisely done, I think. I’m certainly not claiming that I always HAVE done it wisely, that’s for sure! But I’ve definitely improved with age.
I want my children and my husband to WANT to be at home - to feel like it’s their favorite spot on earth, a place for them to find respite from the world out there. The extremes would be barrenness on the one hand, and who would enjoy that? - Or clutter central, which is equally distressing to live in! Lord give us the ability to see the balance in there, somewhere!!!
Enjoy the “Great Purge!” It really does feel good to get the junk out, doesn’t it? It’s very energizing! Spring fever hit you early this year, didn’t it? I hope it hits me soon - right between the eyes!
Jen
March 1st, 2008 at 1:17 am
THis is a great way to settle what is clutter.
I would look for and get the kids and wife out first. I think I would be thinking too much about which of the rest to take and then finally just say..’What the heck!”
March 1st, 2008 at 8:01 am
Jen, You are so right about our children. I know there are many things I wouldn’t even think twice about that my daughter would be clamoring to go back in after like a tinkerbell doll or something else equally loved and important to her right now. So I will have to keep in mind that to her, those things mean much more. She doesn’t much let me get rid of her stuff right now anyway without a major conversation.
And I also thank you for pointing out the part about making 4 walls a home. I am in complete agreement. I take great care and time to make the house we live in and built from the ground up *home* because that is so important to us as a family. It’s not just a place to store furniture and hang out. And the little touches do matter.
But there’s a lot of junk in between the tinkerbell dolls and the other little touches! LOL
Thanks so much for coming by and sharing your thoughts.