Most people I know have things that we do not need or use, yet for some reason we choose to keep. I remember a long time ago someone providing me a technique for deciding whether to give something away. The advise was to picture what someone else would do with that doll, dress, book, bike, or game that I did not often use. It was easy to picture how a less fortunate young girl would value the stuffed bear that had been in my closet for over a year.
I sometimes tend to forget lessons, and need to be reminded of them. Recently, in an exercise intended to reduce clutter, my housemate and I went through the house and found many things we had not touched in years, and pulled them from their perch before we had time to become reattached. I shared most of these items with a friend of mine who has a young girl (11) and boy (9), thinking they may be able to use some of the clothes and other items. What she did not want, my friend offered to take to goodwill.
The note that I got back from her was heartwarming. It reminded me of one of the best reasons for giving away the things we do not need or use - to bring joy to another. With her permission, I am sharing the letter with you.
I have to share with you the kids' reaction to the things you gave them yesterday. I gave Kristin the clothes and bookbags, etc. and she went wild trying on clothes, mainly because it delighted her to be able to fit into the clothes of a "grown up." She really enjoyed the jewelry travel bag. I saw her loading it up last night, testing the theory that necklaces won't get tangled if they're all rolled up. But here's the kicker: I told Justin he could be in charge of the picnic basket and he immediately starting planning a romantic picnic with his little girlfriend, Ashley. By 6pm, he had the basket packed with sandwiches, juice, oreos, pretzels, and he even remembered to throw in an old tablecloth to sit on. Then he headed for Ashely's house with his "surprise" for her. I picked him back up at 8 and they were still sitting on the tablecloth playing and snacking. He loved it. He brought it back home and emptied it out and even cleaned up. He said he plans on using it alot. I saw him kiss her on the cheek when I first pulled in. He's so romantic and thoughtful.