Magic of Letting Go

Daily Gratitude Year 6- Day 105: Today. I am grateful for the magic in letting go. 

Don't think for a minute that I always have it all together. I am a learner, seeker and work in progress, just like everyone else. One of the things I struggle with is saving stuff I really don't need. 

Stuff, I may not ever wear again... because if I would lose weight... I am buying something new. Honestly, the only things that can't be replaced are the sentimental items that hold a memories. The stuff that we have to store and protect from "rust, moths and thieves" costs us time, energy and often money for storage units to keep it all. Do you think other countries think we are insane? 

The smell of rain ... petrichor... it stirs something fresh inside my soul that makes me want to clean and purge. (Don't tell Randy, as I have other things that are more pressing on the "to do list".) It stirs the magic of letting go. 

Bags for Goodwill (or our church's mission store) are a great place to pass on no longer needed, gently or never used items. There is a deep breath that comes in letting go. If it is no longer useful and cannot be repurposed, it is just taking up space. 

Studies shows that all that stuff can be emotionally overwhelming and not helpful for those who battle depression. Letting go... is stepping into freedom. 

When Jesus was on the earth in human skin, he witnessed the trials and troubles that chasing wealth, fame and fortune could bring. Some were able to be good business leaders and community members, using their resources to lead and help others. Some used their business as a way to spread the Gospel. Others became so attached to their position and belongings that the gospel touched their hearts but never penetrated it. 

Jesus wanted them to know the wonder and freedom of breathing deep and letting go. No longer driven by societies desires, but seeking the way, the truth and the life by drinking the living water. Their stuff held many back and weighed them down. 

Peter, Andrew, James and John are some of my favorite examples. We are told of them dropping their fishermen's nets to follow Jesus. They weren't just recreationally fishing. It was their livelihood. Peter we know had a wife, children and mother-in-law. Now, they may have had able bodied father's or other employees to continue with their work as they followed Jesus. 

For Matthew - he left his tax collecting behind, and he did not hold the role of keeping the money for Jesus and the disciples. That was Judas. Money can so easily twist and fog our vision of right and wrong. 

Look at these words from Jesus about earthly treasures:

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. - Matthew 6:19-21

Note it was Matthews pen that captured these words from Jesus. Isn't that interesting?

Matthew found new desires and new freedoms in Jesus. Freedoms he had never tasted. He let go and found himself filled with something more satisfying. Peace. He discovered something better than his life's savings. Hope. He tasted new life through the Living Word... Jesus. 

He found the wonder, freedom and supernatural joy that comes from letting go. 

What do I need to let go of today? Stuff from the "Stuff-Mart"? Anger? Unforgiveness? Misguided priorities? Brokenness? We do not have to let these things earthly things define us. They fade and pass away. He offers us new life... new freedom... and forever. 

"Thou shall not covet." Wanting what someone else has steals our peace and destroys relationships. When God tells us not to do something, it is often to protect our souls from the burden of the sin. Our time as pilgrims here is to learn to love Him... not stuff. 

Today. I am grateful for the magic in letting go.