You know that scene in You’ve Got Mail, the greatest romantic comedy of all time, when Kathleen Kelly has decided to close her shop? I’d say spoiler alert but it’s been 18 years, and if you haven’t seen it yet, I feel bad for you. Birdie, the woman who is practically Kathleen’s surrogate mother, tells her how brave she’s being for “daring to imagine that you could have another life.” She encourages her bold move to close the store while reminding her that she’s “marching in to the unknown armed with… Nothing!”

That’s a bit how I was feeling this week. The closer we get to the wedding (148 days, holla!), the more stuff I’m getting rid of- clothes, shoes, knick-knacks, clutter. In order to streamline the move, I’m taking just my clothes, a few little belongings, books and records.

The way I see it, you can look at this two ways: you can make a big, sad deal about it, or you can get excited to simplify and start a new life.

In a way, I’m marching into the unknown, armed with nothing. Leaving the familiar isn’t easy, even for those who move frequently and are always looking for new experiences. With this being my first “big” move, I find myself looking at my stuff, my clothes, my little cluttery junk and having trouble throwing it all in the donation pile.

But when I give it a second thought, isn’t that kind of what we’re supposed to do in life in general? Reading through Matthew 6, part of the Sermon on the Mount, was in my devotional plan this morning and what an awesome reminder it is.

Destructible, perishable, moth and rust targets- that’s what is going in my donation pile. Yes, I’m going to keep the things I need, things that represent people, memories and happy times. I think when Jesus was saying these things about earthly possessions, He’s more concerned about our attitude toward our treasures than the treasures themselves.

So I’m not sad to be simplifying. In fact, I feel a dozen pounds lighter. It’s good to start fresh, to have a blank slate and to have only the things I need. That will help me start an entirely new life overseas with no looking back. It serves as a good reminder to hold loosely to things that are fleeting- You literally cannot take it with you, not just to Heaven, but to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean too.

I cannot wait to start fresh in an incredible city, making memories and learning lessons that will last longer than that sweater I’ve had since 9th grade!

Accomplished this week: sending save-the-dates, booking a ceremony venue, and donating clothes