I love fall. To me, fall means a hot pumpkin spice latte, cozy sweaters and going back to school. But fall means more to me this year in light of recent personal events. It not only means a new season of the year, it means a new season of life. Much like the raking of leaves, fall is a good time to clear out the clutter hanging around. 

Taking Inventory

One way I cleared out clutter this year was to step back and take a life inventory. What am I doing right? What am I doing wrong? What am I overdoing? Where am I stretched thin? For me, it meant dropping a class in school. I was loaded down with readings and papers. I felt that I didn’t have time for my young son. I was spread so thin that I couldn’t sleep, either. I prayed about what to do — then backed out of that unessential class. It’s given me more time to spend with my child and fewer responsibilities to worry about. I had to think about what is essential and what is not.

A Life Purpose

Another way I cleared out clutter was to clearly define my life’s purpose as I know it through Christian discernment. Here’s what I know about my purpose: I am a mother, I am an employee and I am a student. Motherhood is a gift that I treasure. My motherhood is part of my purpose.

I am also an employee. Beyond the essential purpose of work to provide an income for my family, I’m here to glorify God and bless my employer. Being an employee is part of my purpose. I am a student at a large university. After prayerful discernment, I know that earning my doctorate is part of my purpose. My life purpose is to be 1) the mother that God designed me to be, 2) the best employee that I can be based on biblical teaching, and 3) working through my PhD program to the best of my ability, knowing that that degree also paves the way for my life’s future purpose.

Spiritual Renewal

Finally, and most importantly, I sought spiritual renewal. Although it seems like a task for spring, it’s really a task for every season and part of the clearing the clutter of sin in my life. Romans 12:2 talks about this renewal: “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (emphasis mine). Have I allowed sin to creep in? Now is the time to clear that clutter. The great news? God’s mercies are new every morning! 

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is thy faithfulness.

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,

“therefore I will hope in him.” — Lamentations 3:22-24

As I sip my latte and enjoy the crisp autumn weather, I look forward to the new season. A season of clutter-free essential tasks, purpose and spiritual renewal. Fall is here. And God is good.