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The Joy of Not Owning

Decision Making· Freedom

1 May

Laugh with me, former procrastinators – I just spent 10 minutes looking for notes on this blog – and I found them right where they should’ve been – in my tickler file! Yes, this system is working well for me. I love a clean desk that welcomes me to work without distraction. How’s your system working for you? (Progress with Papers, March 13, 2017)

We have begun a huge cleanout project at our house. The Dreaded Office. Due to schedules, responsibilities, the magnitude of the task, and the thoroughness we’re seeking, our goal is to have it done by mid -July. We’re off to a great start! Please pray for focus and persistence. Thank you!

Cleaning out reminds me: There can be great joy in not owning.

I’m not a minimalist and don’t aspire to be one. I like stuff; but I want to own it, not have it own me. When stuff controls me, some stuff has to go. I want to enjoy what I have. Having too much kills joy. It gets hard to breathe, think, act.

Therefore, procrastinators feel overwhelmed and walk away, or they’re distracted by handling everything. Delay beckons. Over-owning is life draining.

True, owning can bring joy. Some of us like owning a swimming pool and are happy to carry responsibility in exchange for the pleasure; others of us find it a burden. Some of us are happy to polish silver in exchange for the beauty; others of us find that bothersome. We get to exercise our individuality – and enjoy other people’s.

I can visit another’s home and enjoy what they have without having to own those things myself. Long ago I would buy a dish like theirs – because I liked the dish. Not anymore.

Now, before buying or otherwise acquiring, I consider the cost of owning.

What will this item require of me? Would I have to keep it safe? What kind of space will it require on display or in storage? What time will it demand for maintenance? Is it worth the money? What else could I do with the money – give, save, travel, use for future needs? Will the item be a burden for our children? Will the item serve us – in usefulness or beauty – in ways that justify these costs? Will something we already have work? If it’s “free,” still ask. Would I pay money for this thing?

If I choose not to buy, what will I receive? No safeguarding, no giving up space, no maintenance, no time or energy, no monetary loss, no burden for children. I get freedom, time, space, flexibility, availability of myself and our money.

It’s a relief and fun to appreciate and enjoy without owning. Buying can be the gift that drains. Not buying can be the gift that keeps on giving.

What a pleasure to enjoy the beauty of a vase in a store – then walk away having had that moment.

It’s enough.

How do you evaluate the wisdom of a purchase?

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BETH STERNE
Welcome! It's great to have you here. I'm a follower of Christ and a learner of new ways. By His grace, I am gaining victory over procrastination. This is where I share struggles I face and lessons I'm learning. Join me and other sisters as we put off procrastination and put on peace.

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"Biblical truth ... with a lot of fun and laughter."
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“I never saw myself as a procrastinator until her talk – I just thought of myself as productively busy! She helped me to gain new focus on what my priorities really are.”

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“I never saw myself as a procrastinator until her talk – I just thought of myself as productively busy! She helped me to gain new focus on what my priorities really are.”
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"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."

Julia F.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:42:31-04:00

Julia F.

"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/julia-f/
“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”

Carole S.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:42:59-04:00

Carole S.

“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/carole-s/
“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”

Rebecca F.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:43:28-04:00

Rebecca F.

“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/rebecca-f/
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Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise! It has
no commander, no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
Proverbs 6:6-8
... you have put off the old man with
his deeds, and have put on the new
man who is renewed in knowledge
according to the image of Him who
created him.
Colossians 3:9-10

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