"Do not worry about your livelihood, what you are to eat or drink or use for clothing. Is not life more than food? Is not the body more valuable than clothes? Seek first the reign of God over you, God’s way of holiness, and all these things will be given you besides. Enough, then, of worrying about tomorrow. Let tomorrow take care of itself. Today has troubles enough of its own." (Matthew 6:25, 33-34)
As I was walking the dog this morning I was struck by all the new life around me. Buds are bursting from the limbs of tress and bushes, water is rushing freely into the lake, free from the ice, and green is everywhere. Spring is an experience that each year feels new and fresh. The wonder of God's creation stops me, takes my breath away, each year.
I am in the process of moving from a 4 bedroom house, to a 2 bedroom apt. The primary imputes behind this decision is the realization that we do not need all the space or items that we have now. We also have spent far to much time working to pay for these very things. How is it that we can simplify our lives, spend less time worrying about money or more, and spend more time living into the many blessings and work God has for us?
God's abundance is all around us, all of us. It occurred to me a couple of years ago that I felt trapped by a house I didn't even own. How is it that we allow ourselves to be trapped in our lives? How is it that we can open ourselves up to options that God sees and we can't? Maybe we are trapped by a need to provide for those you love, but never ask or consult them as to how they feel. Maybe we are trapped by the fear of change or letting go. Fear of measuring up to others or the need for prestige is a very american trap, one that God may recognize as gluttony or greed. Yikes, we hate these words don't we?
15 coats hang in my front closet. Yes, I said front closet, some I have not worn for more years than I care to admit, some I have moved three or four times. This is the time, this is the year, I am going to let go of some. I know, I did not say a number, I"m not sure even as I write this, how many. But I do know that this process is revealing for me the need to hang onto things way past my need or even desire for them. How many people are cold? How many people can't afford a coat? The truth is, I am not one of those people, and the chances are very good that I will not become one of those people. Truthfully, the chances are better that I will see a new coat that I love and it will find it's way into my home. I can share my abundance with others, thrift shops abound, as well as any number of other ways to give or sell for very reasonable prices those very things we hold on to.
I share this story, because it is becoming very clear to me that this must and is becoming a spiritual exercise for me. God continues to call us to trust in the abundance and blessing that are our lives. The wealth that I feel and know comes from the security of my love and faith in God, my family and friends, and the ability to work in a way that serves the world and provides me an income.
Gratitude is such an important element of a faithful life. There have been times in my life when things were much more sparse. It is with such gratitude that I never forget those days and yet am able today to let go and share some of what causes me to feel stuck. It is when we share that we are truly able to open our hearts and minds to what God may be calling us to next.
What is most important in your life? "Is not your life more than food?" Off to more packing?
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