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I was amazed the first time I saw it. I imagined I never would, but I did.
My brother and I had recently started backcountry camping. Our first trip found us with cheap sleeping bags that delivered only shivers. So we visited a reputable camping catalogue and upgraded.
When my six-foot-one-inch bag arrived, it was stuffed in a two foot sack. I removed it, relishing the fact that I would never be cold again. What I didn't understand was how six feet could stuff into two. Initially, it sprung out as quickly as I stuffed. Eventually, I learned to stuff a little at a time.
Stuffing is necessary when backpacking a sleeping bag; otherwise it takes all available room. Stuffing our sins, however, is deadly. John says:
1 John 1:8 – If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. (NIV)
Admitting what we don't like about ourselves is difficult but essential.
1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)
Stuffing is a paraphrase for repression, and it's dangerous emotionally, physically, and spiritually. But if you're like me, I don't much enjoy admitting mistakes. It's easier to transfer the blame to someone else. It's more convenient to talk about others' faults than to admit that I have the same ones (read "projection"). It's safer to kick the cat than to tell my boss how I really feel (read "displacement").
But stuffed stuff comes out, normally at unexpected times or in a way that embarrasses us. Blowing my top over an insignificant comment that my wife made will probably confuse her. Stuff has a habit of unstuffing after we've stuffed too long. We tire of the effort and of biting our tongue.
Allowing ourselves to feel emotions is healthy. And regularly confessing our sins to God and keeping open lines of communication with others will keep the volcanoes in check. It's better to clear our consciences than stack skeletons.
Prayer: When stuffing seems the easy way out, Lord, motivate us to be honest with You and others. Amen.
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Hello Martin;
A very good scenario for me today, for I to, have need of doing just as you. Just as John wrote it for me to remember. Thank you.
Good one Martin, Thank you.
On the other side of the coin… sometimes, one’s “stuff” becomes another’s “bounty”. Am decluttering and donating my stuff to thrift stores.
Hi Martin;
Very well said. All I have to do now is to keep the lines of communication open with others and with God. Thank you for the reminder.
Dear Martin,
As family stuffer of sleeping bags for the caravan. It was a nice thought.
Blessings,
(England)
That’s a great analogy Martin. We cannot keep things stuffed inside forever – I learned that lesson years ago. Eventually it has to come out and we need to give it to the Lord.
Keep up the good writing!
Blessings.
Dear Martin Wiles,
Thank you very much for a down-to-earth devotional centering around; Admitting what we don’t like about ourselves is difficult but essential.
1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)
Keep writing.
Good little devotional,
I am in the habit of stuffing the drawers of my dressing table but I never get away with it because the lady of the house invariable discovers it and it places on my bed to be fold decently and placed in the proper drawer…or else!
Nevertheless I always try — in vain — to get away with it. As for camping, one night in a sleeping bag in Yellowstone National Park was enough for me.
Let us be thankful for a patient God who knows our weaknesses but it will never affect the love He has for us. Though we have “stuffed” too much He remains kind in His correction of us.
Keep writing Martin.
Blessings.