Letting Go 2

Visitors to my church study over recent months may have noticed the two tall, ever-growing stacks of books on the coffee table. To me, the table was just another surface on which I could new acquisitions until I figured out how and where to shelve them (oddly enough, that figuring out never seems to occur). A couple of weeks back, a fresh perspective in the person of Rachel walked into my office, took a look at the tower, and suggested that I might want to do something if I wanted people to feel welcome to visit. After all, why have a coffee table if there's no where to put coffee.

She was, of course, right. So I began to look at the stacks each day. Staring didn't do much, but it gave me something to mull over. Today, finally, I shuffled the books. And in doing so, I began to move others around. Which ultimately led to me to the conclusion that some would have to go.

If you know me, letting go of a book isn't an easy thing for me to do.

Still, it had to be done. So I've picked some to give to the Five Colleges Book Sale. Everyone wins: the colleges will have more inventory to sell, my visitors will have a place to put down their beverages when they visit and me -- well, I win by having a chance to remind myself that letting go isn't always easy. And that's true whether one's talking about books or habits or preferences or grudges. Still, it's worth the effort -- for clearing a table can be a form of hospitality while clearing one's heart and allowing the Spirit to work God's will is a form of devotion.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psalm 51:1-18: Sacrifice

During Lent people often talk about the things they've given up as a sacrifice.  That offering can seem like a burden.  Sometimes that's good, sometimes that's not.  It's good when we part with something that matters so that we can deepen our faith.  It's not when in doing so, we act as if we're doing God some kind of favor, one that deserves praise and acknowledgment.  The psalmist, along with the prophets and others in Scripture, not to mention Jesus, knew this reality.  They knew that it was all too easy for people to fake sacrifice, to look like they were doing something for God but in reality were doing something to boost their own reputation righteousness.  Here, in verses 17 and 18 and Psalm 51 we are told what God really seeks from us: not an animal on an altar, but real introspection and an honest accounting of our sins.  "Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice, but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.  The sacrifice o
Read more

Shortest Day

Today is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.  You've probably heard by now about the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, which should be quite a sight.  Of course, this being 2020, the sky will probably be overcast obscuring this celestial event. But rather than be pessimistic, I will indulge in some optimism, some hope, that we will be able to see what has been dubbed "The Christmas Star" - even though Christmas isn't until the 25th and Jesus was likely born in March.  Still, it's the thought that counts, right?  Advent is all about hopeful anticipation, and we're coming to its glorious conclusion. I choose to welcome Christ with an open heart.  What about you?  Will you join me?  Will you look heavenward, confident that, clouds or no clouds, Our Lord is coming to be with us?
Read more

Girl Power

I honestly don't know whether referring to "girl power" is, as they now say, "problematic."  I use it with reference to today's Scripture readings with only the greatest of respect.  The stories of Scripture are as much about women as they are men.  Consider Hannah, mother of Samuel, and Mary, mother of Jesus, who were two strong, empowered women whose faith guided their lives, example and morals shaped their sons, and witness that inspired the faithful for generations.  As we approach Christmas, let us remember these two women who have done so much to shape the faith through their commitment, grit, and love.
Read more