Dearly Beloved,
Grace and Peace to you.
We had a big yard sale. Some people were happy to find an item they were looking for, some enjoyed bargaining, some just wanted to feel like they'd made a steal. Some people haggled over every little dime (generally, more well-dressed folks). (I can just imagine their prayer lives.) We let go of a lot of things for pretty cheap. After all, the reason we did this was not to make money, but to get rid of stuff. Toward the end we gave a lot away. Man, it feels great.
What is it that makes your life rich? Probably what you give away, not what you hang onto. More likely things like faith, hope and love. Things like relationships, awareness, attitudes, possibilities. Things like joy, generosity, courage, gratitude. In fact, most of what enriches our lives are the kinds of things that are renewed the more we give them away—like forgiveness, attentiveness, trust, blessing. It's sharing, not possessing, that enriches our lives. It's true of our talents and abilities. It's often true even of our possessions. The more we let go of, the more ready we are to receive what is given to us.
Do you want your life to be about getting or giving? Why not let go of everything? Let your life be a yard sale. When life haggles with you, let things go. Let go of everything. Let it go. Trust that no matter what you give away, you will thrive. “Be content with what you have; for God has said, 'I will never leave you or forsake you'” (Heb. 13.5).
Live today as if you know that it is not what you have but what you give that makes your life rich.
Deep Blessings,
Pastor Steve
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Copyright © Steve Garnaas-Holmes
unfoldinglight@hotmail.com
About Me
- Pastor Steve
- Unfolding Light is a daily reflection rooted in a contemplative, Creation-centered spirituality, often inspired by my daily walk in the woods. In poems, parables, psalms, thoughts and the odd weather report I hope to invite readers into a spirit of presence, compassion, justice and delight. Though these writings are rooted in the Christian story you’ll hear in them melodies of many traditions. Unfolding Light is for anyone who wants to be a part of God’s healing of the world. I'm a United Methodist Pastor in Acton, Massachusetts where I live with my wife Beth. I've served for 31 years, mostly in Montana and New Hampshire, and also lived in California, Washington, South Dakota and Minnesota. We have three sons in their 20's... I don't know that they'd want to hear it this way, but I think they're lovely. I am nowhere near as mature as I sound in my writing, but I'm trying to learn from myself.
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