Downsizing

By today's title, you might be thinking that I am referring to my own size, but although that is not the case, I readily admit that this old body could do with being reduced drastically by 40 or 50 pounds.

My outdated Webster's Dictionary, published in 1984, explains that the word "downsize" means "to produce smaller models or styles of" (example, "to downsize automobiles"). That is not quite what I have in mind. I am thinking more along the lines of "getting rid of" or "having less clutter". However, I don't see "de-cluttering" in my dictionary. Maybe it is time to get rid of the old dictionary!

It's strange how we cling to material things throughout our lifetime. Some people are real hoarders — "hoarding" meaning "to cover up, conceal, hide, or keep in reserve; to get and store away, to hide and accumulate in reserve". Ah, there is the word I am actually looking for: "hoarding".

There comes a time in our life when we need to get rid of things we have been saving for a rainy day, or hoarding in case we might need them. I found out how much hoarding that my late husband did when I had to have garage sales and to give things away, simply to get rid of so much useless stuff — sometimes far more than could be used in one's lifetime. Would you believe that he had four cordless drills and more than 25 screwdrivers? That has been done, so now I am having to take a look at my own hoarding habits. Consequently, I am in the process of getting rid of things by either giving them away to individuals or taking them to the Salvation Army thrift store where they will be sold and the funds used to help those in need.

Philippians 4:19 – And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (NKJV)

Acts 2:44-45 – Now all who believed … sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. (NKJV)

It is important for us to realize that all the material things which we gather together in this world for our creaturely comfort cannot follow us into eternity. Because the Lord will supply our every need, we should share rather than hoard.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, enable us to loosen our grip on the "stuff" that we tend to gather around us. Help us to sit lightly to the things of this world, and to share with those in need. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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