Another long title. Dear Readers, as Heloise might say, you may have to divide yourselves into groups and read accordingly. Ecclesiastes left out an important season: there is a season to gather and a season to divest. Younger ones need enough “to set up housekeeping.” Ten years down the road one may need to upgrade because of social requirements of job or size of the family or the sofa is worn out. A few are leaving the family home and moving closer to grandchildren. You know I have ninety years of accumulating and what I don’t define and value or shake my head at why is it here will become someone else’s responsibility. I still have nightmares thinking of empty glass jars lining the stairs to the attic at my mother’s house just in case she needed them to put aside food for the winter.
So, let’s consider the first two words in order. Regardless of age in life, most of us have something that just collects. I reached to stir the soup and there were five wooden spoons, almost identical, to choose from. In a desk cubby are twenty-seven yellow mechanical pencils (David wanted at least five on hand in each of his two pocket shirts.) Three kinds of glue, five rolls of various tape, and a desk drawer of yellow pads consume space around the house. Then still useful for someone, just not me. More socks than necessary. Vests that don’t zip over an aging shape, and several odd flower vases from a time gardening was a doable passion. The Swedish death choices require an emotional involvement. Can I make a decision about a collection of creches without offering the next generation the opportunity to welcome with delight? Maybe this is a good time to pass on baby books and leave an empty shelf.
The last word is compassion. This is where the Bible verses come in. I try to not just be filling garbage bags, but as possible providing something tangible for another of God’s children. I keep picturing the Dorothy Lange photograph of the Dust Bowl mother or even standers at the street corner with signs. God may not notice my being cheerful as in Corinthians, yet I can meet the Deuteronomy standard of not releasing grudgingly. This writing started because two bags are inside my front door to go to Good Will. Clothes that will have another life and a kitchen utensil that is needed. As I lessen any weight that constrains me, it become easier for me to float now or fly later.
Care about them as much as you care about yourselves. Philippians 2:4 CEV
Let Me Tell Ya 