The Blessing of an Organized Life
But all things should be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:40)
I pride myself on being a reasonably organized person. My office and home desks are clean and organized. I’ve organized my computer apps and files for ease of use. Orderliness was not always my forte. When I was a seminary student, I took an internship year and worked full-time for a church. An engineer friend laughed and took a picture of my desk, piled two feet high with papers, mailings, and other stuff. I told him I’d rather spend my limited time working with people, rather than working on putting stuff away. In hindsight, I realized my response was a copout.
National Geographic and its writer, Daryl Austin, addressed the issue in their article, “Being organized can actually improve mental health. This is why.” Austin warns, “The studied downsides of living in a disorganized or cluttered environment include memory impediment, poor eating habits, an increased change of developing mood disorders, and decreased impulse control.” Austin continues, “There’s also a link between the stress hormone cortisol and living in a cluttered space…clutter and disorganization can lead to chronic anxiety disorders in some people.” When we are disorganized, the world feels beyond our control, and even small things become overwhelming.
“Disorganization can also decrease one’s ability to focus and make decisions.” Disorganization intensifies a loss of productivity, and the cycle creates a destructive self-image. We begin to view ourselves as failures. Taking the step to clean and organize our home provides “a more active and generally have better physical health.” If you try to become organized overnight, it can feel overwhelming. But if you take small steps daily, transition and well-being will occur. The organizational process will also “decrease one’s stress levels, increase personal efficiency, and even improve sleep.” It is worth the effort.
Organizing your life also leads to a more methodical mind. Our faith benefits from a healthy and structured thought process. When we organize our thoughts, we can evaluate our decision-making, carve out time for what is valuable, and care for what God desires. Ask God to guide you in assessing your external and internal organizational ability level. Talk to people you know who are organized and seek their advice and support. Read books and watch YouTube videos. See what works for you. Most of all, seek God’s help and watch the Holy Spirit bring order and peace to every part of your life.