Mark 10:21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him,"You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
I mean, I consider us a pretty simple family (especially in light of having 4 kids) AND STILL we have given away, thrown away and donated trucks full of stuff. It is remarkable. We moved to Scotland with very little and have bought almost nothing since we have lived here these past 5 years BUT we have accumulated so much stuff... and not all of it is junk! We have given away some really great things that have served us very well for these past 1847 days. And we have recycled and donated loads of toys, dishes, toys, electronics, toys, linens, toys, decorations, toys, clothes and, oh yeah, toys! Till... all we are left with is a single mound (which is currently sitting in our kids room). It's the most precious stuff. Britany's tea set. A couple antique dressers. My bike (which I will definitely start riding when I get to San Diego). Our emac. Pictures, papers, cards and cloth. And, of course, some toys. All of which fits into a 11x5x7 space... still feels like a lot though. And, depending on which of my friends is reading this right now (those in India or those in North America) it may seem like a lot or a little. BUT, one thing I WILL say is that it feels freeing.
I love giving stuff away.
Every time a little more space is created in our household I feel a little more space in our life. Everything just seems simpler. I wonder how often we read verses like the one above and ask oursleves why it is that Jesus puts so many limitations on following Him. I mean, come on... sell everything?!? Surely He is exagerating for effect. Surely He must know how much I need this stuff... Or maybe He knows how much we don't... hmm... makes you wonder.
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