Dump It!

Getting rid of years of your “stuff”, your mom’s “stuff”, and your grandmother’s “stuff” is hard. Why did I hang on to so many things?

Just dump it! But I can’t. I feel like a child clutching a toy, screaming, “Mine!”

Recently, I tried to throw away the 200 VHS videos my grandmother gave me. It should have taken me no more than 15 minutes to pick up those videos and toss them into the trashcan. Two hours later, I’m still reading the backs covers, reminiscing over the times I sat with my grandmother and watched these old black and white and colored films. Beautiful memories, along with unforgettable quotes.

How could I throw away Love Is A Many Splendored Thing. I mean it is William Holden and Jennifer Jones! Who could forget Suyin saying this?

“I am so happy it frightens me.”

“You are gentle, and there's nothing stronger in the world than gentleness.”

Okay . . .you didn’t see the movie, and these lines mean nothing to you. That’s okay. I’ve cried for both of us.

The point is I’m struggling to throw away things in order to downsize my life. I’ve got stuff packed up to the ceiling!!!

Why am I struggling over things that are not being used? And probably never will be. It makes me wonder what else I am struggling to get rid of.

“Everything in this life—and everyone you hold dearest and most precious—you must release one day. Corrie Ten Boom said it well: "Hold everything in your hands lightly, otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open." Job, who had suffered the loss of his ten children, had learned the hard lesson of holding onto God’s gifts with loose fingers. He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return there. The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away. May the name of the LORD be blessed!” (Job 1:21) Are you grasping something—or someone—too tightly? Loosen your grip.” (Reg Grant on June 21, 2009 in DTS Devotional)

Maybe God is getting me ready for a bigger downsize. Maybe the housecleaning and house-clearing is a way to prepare for now and later. As I picked up another old movie, I felt it was time to let go.

Maybe it’s time for me to finish the work of letting go of temporal things.

“I cling to You; Your strong right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:8

Cling to Jesus and hold everything else loosely in your hand.

God bless you,