Hidden in the back of one of my closets sits a bookcase filled with a lot of books. While this hidden bookcase doesn’t open up to a secret room, I realize it’s not the usual place for a bookcase. It’s different than most places for a bookcase, but it seems to fit there perfectly. Tucked away, it holds books that have spoken to my life during different seasons. At the same time, some books sit there unread. Tucked even deeper in my heart is the desire and anticipation of the new that Jesus is doing within me – and I imagine you, too.

Is Jesus doing something different in your life? Maybe it doesn’t look traditional, like my bookcase in the closet. No matter what it looks like, whatever Jesus is compelling you to do is good. I picture myself packing up the old and making space for the new, just like I need to pack up most of these books.

Sometimes the old that once was new to us will fade away. It was a season at a time meant for us. We let go yet hold onto memories for keepsakes, we learn, and oftentimes, we move forward to something different. I see that take place in my life and in those around me.

What is your “something different” right now? Maybe it’s something as simple as making something different for dinner. Send me your recipes; I need help! Truly though, deep down, what is something different Jesus is nudging you toward?

As I’ve been thinking of boxing up the books, I thought of old memories boxed away in my heart, some stored so deep that I thought I had forgotten. As I think back on the old, I thank God for that season, the best, the hard, and everything in between.

A couple of weeks ago, I shared how our DIY home projects can bring new purpose. We may keep some old things, but they can be repurposed for something new. God can always use us. He takes our broken pieces and makes something beautiful. He repurposes sometimes. And other times, He may nudge us to box up the old.

As I begin the process of boxing up most of the books on my hidden bookshelf, I am discovering and learning. I think of how Jesus is freeing my mind and freeing up space for new things, too. Decluttering is just good all around. It’s good for our minds and souls. I am much closer to boxing up old thoughts and replacing them with new ones. Memories can stay, but can I say, friends, our thought patterns can move onto something new?

To be made new in the attitude of your minds

Ephesians 4:23

We can have new minds. Maybe it seems impossible to have a new thought pattern. You have a well-worn path already created in your mind. Maybe your thoughts are as rhythmic as your morning coffee routine. While it takes intention and learning from mistakes, I have learned that a new mindset is possible. Box up the old and make room for the new.

Sometimes, we need a reset just as we allow God to repurpose the old.

Instead of thinking, “I can’t do this,” pause, reset, and set your mind to think, “What can I learn to become better at this?”

Instead of “I give up,” how about “I’ll come back later and try again.” Sometimes, stepping away from something is the best thing we can do. Even as I begin to box up the books on my bookcase, it’s overwhelming because there are so many books. Too many, really. When the process becomes too much, though, all I have to do is step away. And, of course, come back later but with a better mindset.

Not every book will be boxed up. Some will stay, like my favorites, and ones that still fit my season of life. Others will go.

Beyond books, of course, what needs to go in your life? Are there some old things that need to be removed so you can free your mind?

What can be repurposed? While sometimes it may seem easier to bury the broken pieces, how can God use them to build upon your story?

And what is something new that you desire? Maybe it’s having time to fulfill a dream that has been hidden away. Perhaps your heart feels the pull toward trying something new even when it doesn’t make sense. That’s what I love about our God. He can make a way. He makes a way for us to remove the old and invites us to explore something new, even if it looks a little different.