By Marci Seither, Contributing Writer

“Everything in its place and a place for everything!”  is the advice I have heard for years.

What works for some people, might not work for others. As discouraging as it can be, that is life. Face the fact. Some of us are organizationally challenged.

It is Hard to be Mary in a Martha World

One time I bought a thick, three-ring binder full of everything I would need to organize every single aspect of my life. It was set up so that you could photocopy the pages that you needed and if the highly recommended system didn’t change your life for the better, you could get a full refund! How could I lose?

I poured over each section and imagined how it would feel to not have to use saran wrap on my Tupperware because I knew where all the lids were. I took out the pages I needed to copy.

And that is the last thing I remember. Taking the pages out. I am not sure where they went, probably in a box with glitter, glue sticks and Velcro dots.

I didn’t have the guts to ask for a refund.

Recently, I did a study on the difference between “discouragement” and “disappointment”. While the reason for the study had nothing to do with rough totes or a labeling system, I think it applies to the topic of organization.

Discourage

The Greek word is raphah  (raw-faw). The prime root is to slacken: cease, consume, fail, faint, forsake, be still.

Disappoint

To fail to satisfy hope or expectations; leave unsatisfied, be dis-heartened.   The word basically means to Un-appoint.

Appoint

To set, decide upon, arrange, make ready.   That is something I can do! Make a plan and set a goal. I don’t have to feel the burden of having the whole house organized top to bottom before my mother-in-law comes for a visit, but I can start with my laundry room.

Sometimes in our disappointment we become discouraged to the point that we literally throw in the towel, probably because we can’t find the hamper, but most likely because we feel defeated before we ever begin. We know the outcome.

For someone who struggles with being organized, it is not just about loading the dishwasher. It is giving ourselves permission to take time between the other hundreds of things we have going on in our lives. It is about decluttering our head and our hearts.

I get that. Really.

So for those moms out there who long for the day when they can get something from a closet without fear of a small avalanche or know exactly where your child’s field trip permission slip is – take heart. We don’t have to allow it to become discouraging to the point where we slacken.

You are not alone!

For every Martha that is setting the table, there is a Mary out there whose theme song is “Oh, where is my hairbrush!” And chances are she is busy crafting something out of a mason jar while singing it.

Make it a matter of prayer and action. Be Encouraged.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you where ever you go.” Joshua 1:9