My Stuff

The other day an unusual thought came to mind.  I was at work thinking about my stuff at home.  No, it wasn't in a dreamy, materialistic sort of way.  It was rather weird.  Are you ready?  I was thinking about what my stuff was doing.  Strange, huh?  While I was at work I was thinking, "what is my stuff doing right now?"  Answer: It's sitting there waiting for me to get home.  I actually pictured it.  -My TV, sofa, computer, pictures.  -Everything just sitting there while I was gone waiting for me to come home and use.  

Once home, too often my stuff gets all my attention and distracts me from the more important things (ie people, relationships, quiet time, reading, exercise).  I can't think of a more perfect example than a recent impulse buy - a beautiful '81 Kawasaki motorcycle.  Shiny red with sparkling chrome, it was a classic impulse purchase.  And now it's in my garage just crying to be ridden.  I have actually felt obligated to ride it since I bought it.  And truthfully I have no business joy-riding across Oklahoma when I 'm jammed for time as it is with school and work.  But that's what our stuff does.  It uses us.  I once heard Pastor Jim Brinkman say, "the more stuff we have the more our stuff has us."

I'm looking forward to a new season of simpler living.  It is going to be a transition.  I don't want my stuff getting in the way of the important things in life.