Dirt, dog fur, bugs, and weeds accumulate regularly at our mountain house here in the Blue Ridge. That’s why I clean every day and weed daily in the spring, summer, and fall—weather permitting. But during the weeks of my recovery from surgery, I fell behind, mostly on weeding. I’m back to my chores now, almost full strength.

Ironically, I deal with this never-ending accumulation by accumulating the proper tools. I’m unapologetic about what I’ve accumulated—and grateful that I can afford to acquire such tools—and not above using cleaning and weeding metaphors in my writing.

So, today let’s explore the benefits and detriments of what we accumulate, literally and metaphorically.

Accumulate or acquire things, the upside

To accommodate my body’s aging, I’ve accumulated a Swiffer for dog fur, a good mop for dirty wood floors, an orbiter for dog-slobber encrusted tile floors, a gas-powered leaf-blower and weed-whacker, and a weight belt to support my lower back.

I rather like blowing leaves, weed-whacking, washing up the beds, vacuuming, and running the Swiffer around, what my mother used to call “lick and a promise” cleaning. It’s easy. And it shows—the sheets smell and the house looks clean as do the ditches and meadow.

Unfortunately, scrubbing, dusting, and weeding don’t show. So, I procrastinate even when in full health. Procrastinate until tumbleweeds of dirt escape from under beds and closet corners, and I can write a novel in the dust accumulated on bookshelves, and weeds outnumber plants. Then my elbows and knees get involved.

These days, especially when on my knees, I thank God for teaching me humility and gratitude for still being able to do this work. For being able to accumulate the proper tools. And to acquire the proper attitude.

Accumulate or gather things, the downside

Many Bible verses caution about the concept of “accumulate,” that is, acquiring treasures, building up wealth, or gathering possessions. Matthew 6:19-20 advises against accumulating earthly things, emphasizing instead the value of storing up treasures in heaven. 

What we accumulate says a lot about our values and burdens. In her book Almost Amish: One Woman’s Quest for a Slower, Simpler, More Sustainable Life, Nancy Sleeth writes: “…what burdens most modern American homes is the accumulating of mass-produced junk, bought on impulse and paid for with credit, which either falls apart or no one uses… Cluttered homes lead to cluttered lives, and cluttered lives can harm families.” 

What we accumulate also says a lot about how we spend our time. Sleeth: “About 60 percent of Americans use the Internet and TV at the same time. People aged 12 to 24 are accumulating up to 23 hours of activity a day, engaging in up to 5 activities simultaneously.” Thank goodness I’m too old to be able or even want to do that kind of brain toggling. 

Accumulate or build up wisdom

What do I want to accumulate? Wisdom.

From my Sage Forum post earlier this year: “As we age, we accumulate scars and need a little—sometimes a lot—of assistance in keeping our bodies in working order. The good news is that as we mature spiritually, we are usually more able to view the image of our bodies from an eternal perspective. We recognize that maintaining our health—our skin, bones, blood, breath, muscles, and brains—allows us to be of service to others while we serve God until he returns.”

In my younger years, I tackled work—teaching, housecleaning, yard—for hours at a time. Now I have to break the chores up into smaller bites and limit myself. For instance, one overflowing scrub bucket of weeds—mostly fast growing, invasive stilt grass—per day. 

I will never reach perfection in writing, cleaning, weeding, or wisdom. But I will be the better for the daily practice.

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