Years ago, I read a book called Seasons of a Mother’s Heart by Sally Clarkson. I no longer own it, but I remember it being good for me at that time. I was a new homeschooling mom with small children. It had 12 chapters, beginning with a section called “Spring: A Season of Renewal”, and I would plan to read one chapter a month, and then I’d forget about it. It seemed I would pick it up again every spring, just when I was in need of a renewal of my spirit.

Today, while driving the truck through our neighborhood, and appreciating the blue sky, the sun shining, and the birds chirping; I thought to myself…. season of renewal.

It’s usually during the Church season of Lent that I turn back to practices that would be beneficial for me to never leave. This year is a little different. For Lent, I have continued much of what I had been doing already, with the exception of my recommitment to paring down possessions and reducing distractions. Here I am (no doubt) starting again.

In 2010, I had a blog called My Simple Spot. For one year, I wrote consistently about my adventures in simplifying. I recently read those posts and was surprised to find that I am following a similar pattern now, on a journey like I was on back then, although I’m not writing as frequently. I’m also not homeschooling my children anymore, or taking care of five people under the age of 13. And even more surprising…that year I was pregnant, had a miscarriage, and by the fall was pregnant again. So in comparison, my current endeavor should be a piece of cake, right?

I also have the benefit of learning from the experiences of my 16 years younger self. I’m reminded of things that work:

• Stop buying unnecessary items
• Practice the In/Out rule
• Limit time online
• Setting limits to reduce choices
• Focus on your own stuff
• Make hard decisions now
• Detach and trust in God’s Providence
• The 30 day list for purchase ideas
• A place for everything

And some things that didn’t work:

• Procrastinating starting
• Procrastinating decisions
• Procrastinating by reading and researching more and more methods
• Turning to books instead of prayer
• Giving up

What a great time of year to begin again!