I watched a leaf fall off a tree this morning, before it’s time, yet not I thought. but Fall is a ways off when leaves die and clutter the ground.
It was 50 degrees (f) on the screen porch where I sat with a bible and a cup of coffee. The hummingbirds were scolding me for being close to “their” flowers and feeders for a backdrop in my morning meet with God. In the distance a Rooster pheasant crowed to add reverence with a dozen song birds chirping in.
I had just had a conversation with my neighbor about decluttering our garages, storage sheds and so many extras. This morning I was reminded to think about decluttering my spiritual life. The to do lists, priorities and even not taking my own thoughts and views seriously unless they really come from God. This is serious stuff when an outdoorsman begins to pray for a smaller boat!
I had opened my Bible to Psalm 1. “Lord I want to be like the tree” I prayed. “Please help me declutter my life from the unimportant”.
I drew out a rough illustrated rendition of the psalm 1 version of the two things that could happen to each of us when we stand before God. That day is coming. It will happen. Add your comments to make it personal…Some great insights from fellow bloggers. Makes me feel like a lion in a den of Daniels.
Check out a very insightful comment below from parishdynamics . Also check out some great insight from InnerDialects written from a half a world away prompted by this blog and the concept of decluttering.
Psalm 1
Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
GARY
Gods Ways are...Different 
Gary, thanks for the reminder. Decluttering made me think of two practices fruit tree growers (it’s a hobby) use to keep their trees healthy and produce better fruit: sanitation (removing fallen fruit and diseased branches) and pruning (removing material that blocks sunlight or steals energy from the tree). Without them, the health and production of the fruit are threatened. So it goes in the spiritual life. My spiritual fruit production drops when I hang onto unhealthy thoughts or behaviors, or I allow myself to be distracted from God’s purposes.
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That is a great physical illustration of a spiritual reality, Thanks. I think I will add a reference to check out your your comment at the end of the blog.
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Read and re- read this one. Oh how I’ve needed declutter, and the reminder has been specially sharp the past few mornings. I been woken up unearthly hours… to just be in His presence. Then kneel in prayer, for the kids. Then go out in our balcony facing the trees : stare at sky tones… I think you’ve just inspired me to write me 1st of August Post. God bless you
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So, went and did my August 1st Post, thank you for the inspiration and beautiful devotional here. https://innerdialects.wordpress.com/2018/08/01/august-rush/ God bless you
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You have a great perspective on your Inner Dialects blog. How fun to inspire one another half a world away Have “alike” thoughts and enjoy the same presence of God at the same time. Thank You for your thoughtful comments and your inspiring blog. I added your name and link into the post as well
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I love Psalm 1…It reminds me of what is truly important and where I should focus my life… I hadn’t thought of it in terms of decluttering… but you are absolutely right! There are definitely things that should be removed from our lives… things that will rob a believer of joy and blessing. Kind of like putting aside those things that weigh us down so that we can better run the race that is before us! Great thoughts, Gary! Thank you. God bless you big time!
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Thanks for your comment Lynn. The older I get the more I even have to separate out the urgent stthat gets in the way of the important.
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I know I am forgiven but it still terrifies me to know I will stand before Love beyond words and see all i’ve said, done and thought all over again. Daunting.yet I can’t sit in a holding pattern, waiting till that day arrives.
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