Last week-end, we moved the rest of our stuff from Berne, Indiana to Pandora, Ohio. I have never liked moving and after this experience, I think I like it even less. It wasn’t that we didn’t have enough help moving; we had 15-20 people help us load up and around 20 people help us unload. We certainly had enough room since we had a whole semi trailer to pack in. I would have never guessed that it would get as full as it did. I would have never guessed that all our stuff in the semi weighed a little better than 6 tons! (A whopping 12,100 lbs!) Have you ever had your stuff weighed?
I think moving more than anything else convicts me that we truly have too much stuff. I am also convinced that the longer one resides at one place, the more stuff one acquires. One thing that I don’t like about moving is showing the world how much stuff I really have. I found that I felt a little vulnerable with having so many people help. Certainly we needed the help and appreciated it very much but I guess there is something in me that wants to keep my stuff private. (This feeling is probably another indicator that I have way too much stuff!)
If all this wasn’t convicting enough, during this week of moving, as providence would have it, I read the chapter “The Discipline of Simplicity” in Celebration of Disciple by Richard Foster. On pages Foster gives ten controlling principles for the outward expression of simplicity. I found them very helpful (and convicting!).
1) Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status.
2) Reject anything that is producing an addiction in you
3) Develop the habit of giving things away.
4) Refuse to be propagandized by the custodians of modern gadgetry.
5) Learn to enjoy things without owning them.
6) Develop a deeper appreciation for the creation.
7) Look with a healthy skepticism at all “buy now, pay later” schemes.
8) Obey Jesus’ instructions about plain, honest speech.
9) Reject anything that will breed the oppression of others.
10) Shun whatever would distract you from your main goal of seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
Actually, when it comes down to it, I guess I must admit that moving is a good thing since it has reminded me of my overdependence on stuff and encouraged in me a simpler lifestyle with more dependence on God.
Some thoughts on Graduations
Some thoughts on Graduations
I have attended a number of graduations this spring including a law school graduation for my niece in Indianapolis my son’s graduation from Goshen College and my daughter ‘s graduation from high school. It seems like every graduation has some similar themes of thanking the parents, teachers, and families, and looking with eagerness for a bright future filled with success. Graduates are exhorted to “Follow your Dreams” and “Go for the Stars” etc. Sometimes it all seems a little unrealistic. Certainly it is good to look to the future with anticipation, confidence and hope. At the same time things don’t always work out like we thought.
One of my favorite books of all time is Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss. I have given a number out as graduation gifts and this year gave a copy to my daughter. In this book which is far more than a simple children’s book Dr. Seuss joyfully celebrates future possibilities:
OH! THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!
You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights.
You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed.
You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest…
He also stresses the realities of life that come to all of us:
Except when you don’t
Because, sometimes you won’t.
I’m sorry to say so but sadly it’s true
that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.
You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on.
You’ll be left in a Lurch.
Find a copy of the book so you cannot read the rest of the engaging and rhythmic text but also see the fanciful illustrations that Dr Seuss has been known for for so many years.
We are never promised an easy, stress free life with no dead ends and failures. Even with setbacks and difficulties we can live life with confidence knowing that God is with us and understands our situation and is always there to lead and guide.
Blessings to all the graduates and anyone who is starting a new chapter in life. Be assured of God’s presence that will be with you no matter what happens.
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