Spring cleaning

In the Zillow listing of our house, there is a WIC noted. WIC stands for “walk in closet.” In most other houses, it probably is. Not in my house. The closet was designed by my favorite all time architect, who told me, “If this closet is not big enough for you, you do not have a storage problem, you have a behavior problem.” Bingo. That’s me.

 I would not say I’m a hoarder. I am an enthusiastic gatherer. I save. I thrift. I keep sentimental treasures. In one corner of the closet, I have art supplies. My paints, some canvases. You know, regular art stuff. I can get to it if I want to move all the tote bags that have collected on and around it.

 In the other corner is another stack of tote bags. (I declare they multiply in the night.) Under that are two tubs of costumes. Wigs, boas, cowboy hats. Wonder Woman and Wilma Flintstone live there. My friends know I have this stash, so when their kids have costume needs, they call me first.

 In the thrift stores, I always look for wigs. I have Cher, Dolly, and a Red, White and Blue short curly wig for July 4^th. I have a perfect witch’s hat, black and red capes, Renaissance dresses alongside quite a few Christmas outfits. I have red, black, and rainbow boas because you never know when you might feel like feathers are the right choice.

 I have a friend who says, “Too much is almost enough.” I am practicing that mantra. Between Bible School, Halloween and July 4th, I find much with which to amuse myself.

 Besides clothes there are also serious things saved in my closet.

 There is a black tote bag filled with letters and mementos from the Academy of Spiritual Formation. This Academy treasure has been in my WIC since October of 2015, when we led our last retreat.

 Evidence of my practice of Lectio Divina is written in journals, bags of journals of my spiritual thoughts reflecting on Scripture. Years and years of prayer and thought. Don’t know exactly why I save them.  

 My NC State ballgame bag is clear plastic. I have Kleenex, sunglasses, dental floss and lipstick for the ticket takers to see. I want them to know I am not a threat.

 Evidence of my cancer journey is in a tote I call the treatment bag.  There is my own personal pink robe, my radiation schedule, and a pink plastic lei that was given to me on my last day of treatment.

 Spring cleaning is good for the soul; my cleaning is a necessary assessment of what is important to me and what is not. I muster the courage to sing, “time to remember and move on.” I have many memories in my WIC. I go through them every year and get rid of some things every time I clean…but not too many.

 There are a lot of things I like moving on from. There are memories that I want to continue living with. For all the people we have known and loved, all the hours of prayer, retreat, and reflection.

 I think about the various chapters of my life. I love each one. I have learned much in the hard times and had a lot of fun along the way. I am thankful I lived long enough to be Ordained and work vocationally in the church. I am glad I married Tom at 19, and thankful for the nearly 60 years we have had together. I am blessed with children and grandchildren and thankful I have lived long enough to see them grow up.

 Looking forward to what is next is always the best choice. I cannot live in a past, even a past that bears plenty of evidence in my closet. As the sun rises every day, so my heart rises when I hear the laughter of children or watch the dogs play with a ball.

 Age has its blessings. I am far more assertive and outspoken at this age than I was as a young woman. I still have things to say and passion to keep speaking out. I am not going to be the grumpy old lady that whines about aches and pains. I will not hold onto losses; I will give all the pettiness away. Now is a time to grow and love. I will continue to fight for what is right.

 I’m all in.  

 Lib Campbell is a retired Methodist pastor, retreat leader, columnist and host of the blogsite www.avirtualchurch.com. She can be contacted at libcam05@gmail.com