What Does Your Sock Drawer Say?

 What Does Your Sock Drawer Say? 

Recently during a Bible Study, I was challenged to think about what my sock drawer looks like, and what that may say about my life, and relationship to God. Such an interesting question that led me to some deep thinking the past few weeks, and some deep cleaning!  

My sock drawer is a real mess! I have so many socks that the drawer is hard to shut and often they spill out. Old socks, new socks, single, lonely socks, warm and fuzzy socks, dress socks, athletic socks, teacher socks, and many more. My first thought was boy I have a sock problem! Ok, what does that say about my life and my relationship with God? I really didn't know. 

A few days later, I had the time and the motivation to tackle that drawer. I started out by organizing the socks by type. That was eye opening itself. The drawer held way too many dress socks and teacher socks. I've been retired now for almost two years. Surely, I didn't need all of these socks anymore. It felt like losing a weight as I whittled that pile down to a few pairs of dress socks and a few of my favorite teacher socks. Retiring during the pandemic and finding my new niche in life has proven more difficult that I had first thought. Lately though, I feel much more positive about my new direction. And moving forward in this next chapter just got a boost by this simple task!

But what about my relationship to God? Am I moving forward in a positive direction? Returning to church since the pandemic has bolstered my faith and given me a feeling of returning home. That has been a good start. I also know that joining the Bible Study and learning with several friends has encouraged me to slow down, listen to others, and share my religious beliefs and personal struggles. It has helped me to look at my relationship with God in new ways. I guess this sock drawer thing is really working. Let's keep going!

I noticed that the socks I had bought recently were so much more colorful than those I'd bought in the past. Colorful hiking socks and bright athletic socks now take up space in my sock drawer. To me that bright color symbolizes my need to be a happy. curious and creative person. I have found new color and a better me through hikes, travels, and my interest in photography. It nudges me to seek out the beauty that I never seemed to have time for before. Yes, color is good! I have been enjoying every moment!

Well this is an easy connection to see! I have never felt closer and more in tune to my relationship to God than when I am out in Nature! I am reminded of God's awesome wonder through the trees, flowers, wildlife, trickling streams and amazing sunsets! Every time that I can enjoy God's miracles, I feel myself relax and able to talk to Him from the heart. Thus developing a stronger and more open relationship than I've ever felt before.

I looked again at my piles. I knew I had to get rid of the old socks; the ones that were dingy, and some with dry rot elastic. Why had I been keeping these when obviously I had plenty of socks and didn't need them? The old, worn out, yet comfy and familiar really needed to go. It can be so hard to get rid of that comfy and familiar. Whether it be clothing, possessions, habits, or routines, our lives may sometimes need us to purge out the old in order to fill our lives with new or better. Getting rid of these would free up space and help me to find the socks I wanted so much easier. I wonder what habits and routines are no longer helpful in my life? Which ones can I get rid of and replace with new?

Sometimes in my relationship with God, I tend to rely on the old and familiar. The same prayers, familiar readings, and yes the relationship of old. But if I am changing as a person, shouldn't my relationship with God be changing as well? I need to free up space in my life in order to create a newer, stronger relationship with God. Maybe now is the time to seek out new prayers, and create a routine to read the Bible as I have been wanting to do for a long time. Maybe this one Bible Study will lead to another.

Finally, those poor single lonely socks in my drawer. They have been waiting, some for a long time, for me to find their mates. I just struggle with getting rid of them. I always hope to find that matching sock. As a teacher, I had a soft spot for kiddos that struggled or didn't fit in. I knew that keeping these socks reflected my passion to never give up on those kiddos. I also knew I wouldn't be able to give up those lonely socks! I took a deep breath and forced myself to cull them down to just a few. A couple of lonely socks that I really liked and ones that I thought I may have seen the other match for recently. 

I struggled with this connection most. To me the obvious was that God might feel lonely when I don't make Him a priority in my life. Am I limiting God when I don't pray often enough, attend Mass, or give Him the true thanks and praises that He deserves? I plan to make God and Faith have a more consistent role in my life. Another connection that I kept leaning towards, was me as the lonely person when I don't fill my life with God. Am I limiting God when I don't share His love through my thoughts, words, and actions? I will find ways to give to others through my talents so that they too can share in the love that is God.

Who knew that a simple inquiry about a sock drawer could lead to a better outlook on life and a renewed relationship with God?! I also now have a really organized drawer... at least for the moment. 

What does your sock drawer say to you?