March 25, 2004

Too Much Stuff

I enjoyed this article on the hidden costs of excess stuff.

I know the costs. We shipped over 10,000 lbs of stuff and three vehicles to the island from California. A lot of it was brand new furniture for our home but a great deal of it was stuff from Woody's mother, who had passed away that spring and scads of stuff from my family that I swore that I would go through an sort out but never did. so I am doing that now as I have time and in so doing, contributing to the landfill problem here on the Big Island. I estimate that we have given away, sold or trashed 1/3 of what we brought over. ( this includes Woody's lovely Infiniti M30 that was totaled in an accident and the selling of our big pick up truck).

But in the giving selling and throwing away I know that we have saved on insuring, management and all the rest. I am sorry that we have such a large house, and the expense of that. (old house 689sf on 5000sft lot new house 1800sft and 1/2 acre of land to mow uggh!)

As I get older, I can see the value of less is more and having a light touch on the possessions that God entrusts you with. I feel as close to losing all that I posess as I ever have been. I would regret it, but I feel more at peace about it these last few weeks.

I know that I am in God's hands... at least I remember that tonight... Sometimes I forget.