Once upon a time, special days consisted of Mother’s and Father’s Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and you know the rest. But, now every other day, a new day springs forth to be celebrated. I can name a few, such as National Donut Day, National Coffee Day, National Lipstick Day, National Love Your Pet Day, National Hug Your Dog Day, National Unicorn Day. You name it, and it has a day! People love to recognize things dear to their hearts, and nothing is wrong with that. March 2, is named Old Stuff Day. That is a day by which you have the opportunity to change from doing the same old stuff that you usually do. To celebrate the day, you are to get rid of the former and try something new. As I researched the day, it said; however, you choose to celebrate the day do something different from the same old thing.

I found the date for this day to be so ironic. I won’t explain the irony of it, but you would understand. I did share it with a few friends. Nevertheless, let’s associate this day with relationships. You know that is where I am heading as I write this post. Last week’s post was “Believe the Stuff!” by which I talked about believing what people show you about themselves. Since we have covered that now, what do we do with “the stuff?” Let me begin with a simple occurrence. Twice a year, I do what I call “deep-sea cleaning.” This cleaning entails me going through all my dresser drawers, closets, kitchen cabinets, pantry, etc. and I remove and discard any “old stuff” that has no further use to me, or is torn, ragged, expired, etc. I take between one to two weeks to do this, taking my time. It seems like a lot. It is, but not as much as years ago, when I also removed and washed my Venetian blinds and washed the woodwork, etc. No more. A paid person will do any washing of woodwork if it is needed at all. After I finish this extensive cleaning, it always makes the house feel lighter and is cleaner inside and out. Why? Because I have rid my home of useless old stuff.

Sometimes in relationships, it is needful to remove old stuff which could be attitudes, behaviors, unforgiveness, indifference, jealousy, and last, but not least- an individual. If the relationship you are involved in is painful, hurtful, unfruitful, and in no way productive, is there any value to remaining in it? Now let me be clear if you are married, I am in no way implying that you dissolve the marriage because you are unhappy. Look at what’s causing the unhappiness. Could it be your attitude or behavior? Have you become indifferent toward your spouse, or are you holding unforgiveness in your heart? We must take a close look at ourselves first and foremost before we can even look at someone else. And we must assuredly follow God’s principles concerning marriage.

On the other hand, if your unmarried relationship is yielding more unhappiness than joy, then you may need to do some house cleaning. Is “stuff” resonating from your significant other that doesn’t support a healthy relationship? Our perceived value of something or someone sometimes can supersede the actual worth. Is there something within you that needs to be gotten rid of so the relationship can grow? Is it time to do something new, which may include taking time to be alone, recharge, and renew within yourself? Also, importantly is there stuff in you that is hindering your relationship with God? If so, that junk needs to be released immediately.

As I end this post, let it be a reminder that self- cleaning is needed from time to time to rid our natural and spiritual life of junk that hinders a good relationship between God and us and with others who are essential in our life. Clutter (old stuff) can affect our level of joy and our physical and spiritual health. Is it time for you to have an “Old Stuff Day!” and do a cleanup? As for me, I don’t want any more junk in my life! Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. Colossians 3: 9-10. I’ll be back next week with a new post, “Absence and the Heart!”

Be encouraged, and God bless!

Sister Jackie