Goosebumps covered my ten-year-old arms and legs as I skipped rocks on the river beside my grandparents’ cabin. How I wished for my gray corduroy pants on that breezy autumn day. Cooler weather reminds us of sweaters and flannel. An easy six-step plan for seasonal closet adjustments can lead us to examine our hearts this fall.
Each September I exchange the summer clothes in my closet for scarves, warm slacks, and turtlenecks. When I assess my fall wardrobe, the try-it-on-to-see-if-I-still-need-it mound grows on my bed. A glance in the mirror confirms my suspicion that some outfits have outlived their usefulness.
The goal is to keep only seasonally-appropriate, well-fitting clothes. The rule? Toss those articles you haven’t worn in two years. (Or if you’re feeling brave, one year.) Are you ready to tackle your closet? Come on, it’s not THAT hard, right? Well maybe, but not impossible.
6 Steps for Changing Your Closet This Fall
- Choose a date and write “Fall Closet Reno” on the calendar.
- Plan a reward for a season-ready, well-organized closet.
- Divide clothing into three piles: Keep, donate, not sure.
- Tackle the “not sure” pile. Ask, “Will I wear this soon? When? Where?” Mirrors are honest. Try on each item and take a whirl. If necessary, call an honest friend.
- Arrange outfits on your bed. List new pieces to purchase for added pizazz. A new scarf, a denim jacket, or a tailored white shirt might multiply possibilities.
- Celebrate with the reward you planned.
Like cool weather signals wardrobe adjustments, a new season can be a good time to examine our hearts. Are there habits or attitudes we should abandon like a moth-eaten sweater? Are there Christ-like characteristics we should practice or “put on?”
Like cool weather signals wardrobe adjustments, a new season is as good time to examine our hearts. Share on X
6 Steps for Examining Our Hearts This Fall
1. Plan for fall quiet times with God.
Before the hurry-scurry of holiday season arrives, ensure you have a daily time of prayer and Bible study—short or long—but daily. You might try to write in a journal or find a new devotional, but keep the Bible as your main source.
2. Pull up your chair to God’s table.
A table for two. He waits for you and welcomes you. Take time to enjoy His presence. To worship and praise him. To express gratitude. To lift the needs of others. To ask questions and lay your needs before Him. To listen.
3. Put away un-Christlike thoughts and behaviors.
Examine your heart as you read the Bible. We can confess sin and count on God’s forgiveness and His strength to rake away negative thoughts and actions from our lives like dead leaves.
But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
Colossians 3:8 ESV*
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:29
4. Put on Christlike qualities.
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another . . . And above all these put on love . . .
Colossians 3:12-14
God’s Word teaches us to “put on” godly conduct. When I try to improve myself, success is short-lived.
The good news is when God does the work, we change from the heart outward. God promises to conform us to His image. When He changes us, these qualities dwell in our hearts and shine from our lives.
Prayer and Scripture will remind us of the work God is doing in our hearts. Perhaps it would help to imagine slipping on a new fall jacket labeled “kindness,” or “love” or “patience” before we start each day. When we read the gospels, we see how Jesus walked on earth. His example lights the way for us.
5. Ponder on His promises.
When the enemy tempts you to think negative thoughts, find a promise of God’s to cling to and pray. Thank you, Father, you’ll never leave me. Thank you, Father, you promise to meet my needs.
6. Plan for adequate rest, rich fellowship with others, and opportunities to serve in Jesus’ name.
Okay, it’s time to get into that closet and make bold decisions as you prepare for cooler weather. As you work, play praise music and worship the Lord. When you rest, try the six steps above and ask God to examine your heart. As a believer, you can thank Him for the warmth of His presence for every season.
* Scripture verses are taken from the ESV.
Your Turn
Please share a closet organization tip or a way you examine your heart for a new season. What helps you remember to “put on” Christlike behavior?
If you need a new fall devotional or if you want a Scripture-filled Christmas gift for friends, may I suggest my new devotional? A Place at His Table: God’s Daily Gifts to Satisfy Your Heart. Each devotion begins with a table story and leads to a Bible passage that illustrates one of God’s gifts. Table Tips include recipes, easy centerpiece ideas, and celebration plans.