Since I was a small child, I saved things. All of my school
work, every drawing, every assignments filled up all the cupboards in
our downstairs home. Periodically mom would do a whole house deep
cleaning and I would protest as priceless treasures (I thought) would
go into the garbage.
As a young adult, going to college, I discovered auctions.
Whoa, did I think I'd found paradise! It was fascinating to me to see I
could bid on a whole group of desks and get them for a unheard of
price. These desks were so cool, the kind that have the seats attached,
and the desk part curves around. I started hauling stuff home; lots of
stuff. My father was pretty good natured but as his garage filled up
with my "finds" he put his foot down. "What are you going to do with all
this stuff?" he asked. I wasn't sure, but I took the hint and laid off
the auctions. The desks sat there for some time, collecting dust along
with years-old memories etched into their wooden tops; initials, and
names of kids now grown.
Living in family housing up at the University of Washington, I
had the privilege of meeting so many people from around the world.
Israel, Turkey, the Far East, I was part of a multicultural community.
One of my friends, a sweet, tiny Korean lady, loved the Lord. She
couldn't speak much English but want she could say she was so excited to
share.
When I went to visit her in her own UW apartment I
discovered, they had no furniture. Her apartment was spotless, but it
was empty, completely. She would ask you to take your shoes off, come
in and be as hospitable as she could be, having no where to sit. When
she visited my own place, she oohed and ahhed over one large chair. She
loved it; it was a big, comfy chair my parents had given me. She patted
the chairs strong back, admired the strong wooden arms. I had to give
it to her it was impossible for me not to. It was sweet to see how proud
of it she was. She put some of her hand-embroidered "dollies" on it and
placed it in a place of honor. Now her husband had a place to sit!
As we got acquainted I shared my story about getting the
garage full of desks. Her sweet face became animated as she listened,
"Desks with chairs!" It was just what they needed for their church.They
had rented an office space to start a church for their Korean Christian
friends and had no where to sit there either! The desks were moved put
to very good use and my father was relieved to reclaim his garage.
This penchant of mine for finding "stuff" has continued
throughout my life. Goodwill stores beckon me with their treasures. I've
recycled more "finds" than you can imagine. I think when I buy the
stuff, or it's given to me, that I'm going to refinish it. What
happens, actually, is that I keep the stuff for a while, give it to
somebody else, or end up "re-gifting" it to Goodwill. It's a funny hobby
that my family periodically complains about. Passing a yard sale one
grandson is apt to say, "No Grandma, we are not stopping you've got
enough junk!" Unlike the desks that were put to good use in the Korean
church, a lot of stuff I collect is of no value, it's just taking up
space.
Our lives can be like this too. We collect thoughts,
attitudes, and habits that become part of who we are, and just "take up
space". These "things" cloud our vision and purpose and weight us down,
emotionally, physically and spiritually. I believe it's God's plan for
us to travel light, to keep only those things that equip us for our
Higher calling. Taking stock, taking inventory is an ongoing process, in
recovery and in life. It is only as we are willing to constantly look
at ourselves through the light of God's lens that we become aware of the
need, to "lighten the load". My blog began because I realized my lack
of self-discipline in exercise and eating was taking it's toll. In
perfect health, with a demanding job helping people, it is disrespectful
for me to not take better care of myself. I need to realize I've been
given a gift and it is only as I learn to treasure that "gift", (good
health, education, and career) that it will continue to
be put to good use.
It is a challenge to constantly rethink, renew, and refire
with purpose, with planning and with passion. Just a little over two
weeks into this newest venture, today I will set new goals and begin
again.
Today may your life be filled with purpose; rather
than becoming a collector of "found objects" may your purpose become
focused on finding and building character
.
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