I admit it: I tend toward being a pack-rat.
Blame the artist in me and an appreciation of beauty and usefulness.
There comes a day, however, when inspection must be made along with some very demanding decisions. That day arrived when we knew we would not be returning to the immense yard and house our family had rented for 12 ½ years in Polokwane, South Africa. The day Jerry purchased tickets for our furlough in 11 weeks was the day I began sparring with time. The Days of Decisions in Downsizing had arrived.
What would I have done without the Lord’s presence and wisdom? For the first time in years I
was doing this alone without the aid of our dear older daughters who were such a help in the past! Of course, my guys did great with their things, the outside maintenance, and heavy furniture and equipment. Debrianna lent a hand with assisting in the packing of suitcases. She also single-handedly manned the packing away of the kitchen! What a job that was! (You’ll have to hear from her about the nightmares she had afterward about the cutlery, cups, and cookware! Ha!!) This was a new and daunting task to face for all of us.
Whether it is the inventory of material things demanding our attention, or the need to check what may need de-cluttering or disposing of in our spiritual life, downsizing can be a daunting duty. Rather than debate about it, or deny the need for it, just do the next thing. Perhaps these few verses would encourage us to seek and keep hold of those things of great importance and value:
Colossians 3:1,2 “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
1 Timothy 6:6-8 “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
2 Timothy 4:13 “The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.”
Matthew 6:33-34 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
I’ve only tasted the first sweetness…
In March will come the move into a trailer for 5 months. More downsizing is on the horizon for me. May I have spiritual sight to esteem it a delight to be content with God’s presence, provision, and path in my daily life.
