I’ve mentioned SHEDDING in a few posts recently. I feel like it deserves ample focus as I continue to experience different versions of the word. What am I SHEDDING though?

The first thing I think of when I hear the word SHEDDING is how my dog Murphy leaves more hair around my house than is seemingly possible from his small stature. The word resonates so much deeper with me lately however. I believe we SHED before we can grow. Let me explain…

I’ve lived in six places over the past 3 years. Needless to say I’ve gotten pretty good at packing. I’ve also gotten pretty good at taking Goodwill trips. Every time I move I end up donating more stuff. When you downsize you naturally get rid of things seldom used or no longer wanted. I’ve consistently downsized over the past few years, so lots of possession SHEDDING. Each time I move I realize how much more I don’t need. Three junk drawers down to two, then one… Forcing myself to sort through and repack my home over and over helped me realize that I don’t actually wear each of the 22 t-shirts in my dresser drawer; so why wouldn’t I parcel some to others who will actually need them? I don’t NEED anywhere near what I have. I’m sure many others can relate?! Crazy to think I was hardwired to accumulate as much as possible over the past few decades. I suppose I’m learning to shed the notion that how much I own determines my true worth.

Another example was living out of a suitcase for 7 weeks last summer. What another awesome lesson learned on my road trip! Murphy and I were able to live out of a few bags as we drove around the country. I even asked Britt to take a full suitcase back to AZ after she visited/joined me for a week. I realized mid-trip I overpacked! Most hotels have laundry services, so why not pack light? I love that we can live and feel content without all the “bells and whistles.” I was learning another lesson this summer: “less is more!” I had a lot of JOY on my trip as well, yet didn’t have a ton of possessions accompanying me. Weird, eh? 😉

I now firmly believe periods of transition are intentional. We often look at the fear component of such times. What’s going to happen? How will everything work out? Will I be okay? I think we’re missing the point with this fear-based focus. I believe God often has us in periods of uncertainty, periods of waiting, and periods of transition because we have something to SHED before we CAN MOVE FORWARD. The past few years have been one huge transition for me. I transitioned personally. I transitioned my perspective of so much, especially regarding what matters most in life. In essence- I transitioned my value system. I transitioned more toward God.

The entire process required me to SHED parts of myself that catered to the old me, the old perspectives, and the conditioned version of myself. I have a hard time not charging 100mph toward the “next thing.” I believe God is teaching me to be still. God has me “in the trenches” as he continues sculpting me. Perhaps He cannot sculpt the unwilling? Perhaps He cannot sculpt the worldly. Perhaps He needs me to SHED parts of self before I’m ready for His Divine Purpose for my life?

I’ve been SHEDDING tangible items. I’ve been SHEDDING unhealthy thought patterns. I’ve been SHEDDING parts of self that will interfere with my ability to fully SURRENDER and trust His plan for me. Perhaps these periods of transition are intentional. Perhaps we’re shedding the world so we have clear eyes to fixate on Him. Perhaps to truly move forward we need to SHED our past, SHED old hurts, SHED our hangups, and SHED our vision of how life was supposed to look (control).

One of my favorite verses is Romans 12:2, as those who follow me on Instagram know. Perhaps Paul is describing SHEDDING of self to permit transformation into a renewed self. You can be the judge:

Romans 12:2 – Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve of God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)

Perhaps if you look at your past struggles, your current situation, or the troubles of your mind differently, you’ll see a bigger purpose?! Perhaps the underlying lesson of your circumstance is to bring you closer to Him. What if you view struggles from a different lens? Perhaps you have something to SHED before you can grow? I believe we all do! Let’s be “transformed by the renewing of our mind.” SHEDDING– let’s not fight it, let’s embrace it!

For more pictures and to join my journey you can follow @surrender_project on IG.