Disorganization Is A Heart Problem?

I'm working through a book called, "I Used To Be So Organized: Help for Reclaiming Order and Peace," by Glynnis Whitwer. She is amazing.

While everything I've read in the first parts of the book (prior to the specific organizational tips) has been great--dealing with spiritual and relational issues--the self-examination section hit me hard. Here's a quote that stood out to me, followed by some self-examination "red flags" that she lists:

"I believe if your heart is where God wants it to be, you'll see things with new eyes, have more peace, and feel less pressure to get things just so [emphasis mine].

"Before moving on, take some time for a self-examination. Are there things in your heart that need some attention? Some red flags might include:

  • Comparing yourself to others.
  • Being overly concerned with what others think or say.
  • Putting tasks over people.
  • Entertaining resentful, unkind thoughts about others.
  • Unforgiveness.
  • Believing that you're the only one who can get things done.
  • Judgmental thoughts."

Um, hello?
Methinks, since I struggle with ALL of these things, that God had a hand in my purchase of this book.

The funny thing is, I wouldn't associate these heart issues with organizational difficulties. But, if you look at this list, all of these things have to do with motivation. If my motivation is God-centered, instead of me-centered (or opinion-of-me centered), then I will only care what God thinks--and in order to know what He thinks, that requires time spent in His presence.

Conversely, when I don't spend time with God, praying about priorities and asking for wisdom, then my life will be spent rushing around trying to accomplish what I think I should be doing--wearing myself out feeling like I've never done enough, or feeling like what I have done isn't good enough. Sadly, this is what I usually do.

If I'm not feeling worn out, I always have this level of performance anxiety running through me that feels like a constant buzz in my head--thoughts that tell me I am lazy, or guilt over spending money that I didn't need to spend or from wasting food that I fully intended to cook.

So, I feel like I've had an epiphany. This disorganization and clutter (even if my house doesn't look like a hoarder's) is a symptom of the clutter in my head, which is a symptom of my priorities being askew.

I'm so glad that God gives wisdom without expressing disapproval (James 1:5), aren't you? I'm going to exercise the wisdom of a self-evaluation, and ask God to help me to declutter some unwanted and unnecessary thoughts and behaviors before I make any new plans to tackle my task management.

Comments

  1. OK, so two things.
    1. I love this post.
    2. You have wasted my whole morning. I had to click on shabby blogs b/c I love your background and now I have wasted hours online redesigning my blog.
    :)

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