A Bubble Off Plumb

This has always been a contemplative time of year, at least for me. I suspect it is for most of the rest of us, too.

We are planning for the winter, setting up visits and shipping cards or gifts and ordering wood for the fireplace. We are shopping for ingredients for that special holiday meal or to create comfort food for those cold evenings ahead. Many of those meals are based on heritage or culture, while others are just because Mama said so.

We look at year end gifting to our favorite charities, check on our insurance coverages and maybe plan our vacation for next year.

It is time to check the condition of our vehicles to be sure the tires are satisfactory for wet roads and long trips. Time to ensure there are jumper cables and a bag or backpack with an extra set of warm clothes in it, just in case they are needed.

Maybe it is time to get rid of a few things, too. Maybe more than a few things.

Thin out the herd of pots and pans, dishes and glasses. How many do you really need, anyway? I’m not suggesting you get rid of family heirlooms or items you use regularly. But what about the excess? Do you need it? Could it help someone else who does need it but doesn’t have the resources to purchase it new? Same could be said for your clothes closet. How many shirts do you have? How many do you need? Don’t just look at the old, stained or worn out. There are some outgrown ones, some fashion gaffs, some that great-aunt Ethel sent that aren’t your style, but would gladden the heart of a vintage diva.

By looking around and thinning out your conglomeration of stuff, your house gets neater, and the thrift stores can offer the goods to others at a discounted cost. They also then use the income to employ those who need it.

It doesn’t end there, though. Maybe you sent your last kid off to college or life this year and no longer need the three tons of Spaghetti-O’s in the cabinet. Or six jars of peanut butter and 32 pounds of noodles.

The food bank at Opportunities Inc. could sure use that. Not only does need for help at this time of year increase, there are still supply chain problems that mean the organization hasn’t been able to order goods from the regional food bank as it usually does. They simply aren’t there to purchase.

So, purge the closets, the cupboards and the pantry. Dig through the storage rooms where your extra winter coats reside. Give and give abundantly. Because even in times when the economy isn’t great, almost everyone can spare and share something, blessings that can now bless others.

It may not be fun when you are doing it, but the results will be great and sharing touches the heart of the giver more than the heart of the receiver.