I’ve been intermittently using a book called God360. It’s a series of devotionals which I’ve dipped in and out of for the last wee while. I’ve enjoyed the spirit of it although I’ve been pretty pants at actually doing what I’m meant to do with it, in fact the very thing which makes the devotional different. They’re experiential devotionals which means I’m meant to do something each time I read one. Hmmm, just as well I have a good imagination!
Anyway. A wee while back one of the devotionals linked with something our small group from church was doing, and it has really made me think about giving stuff up. We got together a while ago and did a car boot sale to raise some money for a (as yet undecided) worthy cause. The plus for all of us was we got a chance to get rid of some stuff which we no longer needed or wanted. However, after reading this I got to wondering what I’d felt so good about…
What would I be willing to give up, that cost me something in the process? Could I hold things so open handedly that you can take what ever you want – even what is most precious to me.
Don’t know. I’m not even sure if I’m willing to try.
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November 12, 2008 at 7:47 am
thestatethatiamin
That’s a simple,yet, powerful article. The things we got rid of were things we won’t miss. That exercise would be way more challenging…
November 12, 2008 at 10:35 am
bringonthejoy
I know. Imagine if someone wanted your ipod…!
November 12, 2008 at 10:59 am
brunettekoala
that’s a horrible thought.
But worse would be my most beloved teddy bears…
….or my smoothie hats…
November 12, 2008 at 11:16 am
bringonthejoy
Maybe at next small group we should all bring the thing we value the most and least want to lose. Might make for an interesting discussion.
November 12, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Marla
Oh my…you all are killing me this morning! My iPod…my books…
How about this one…my free personal time (easily my most important posession).
November 12, 2008 at 6:41 pm
thestatethatiamin
Man, all the things I value most and least want to lose ar at our small group! Our house, my family, my small group, my music collection…or should the adjective “my” in all of those be replaced with “God’s”???
November 12, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Laura Anne
Realising that the worst thing would be something you can’t replace. Like it would be difficult to give away my car (we’ve been through so much together) my guitar, my iPod/music collection, my copy of ‘Tully’ or my smoothie hats.
…but all of those could be replaced.
November 12, 2008 at 10:30 pm
bringonthejoy
I have a watch which used to be my Grandad’s which I got when he died. It’s not worth anything at all, but it’s the only thing I have which once was his. The idea of giving it away to someone who wouldn’t know why it was so special and what was so wonderful about the man it once belonged to is a bit more than I can contemplate. I also have a book which I love, “Patient” by Ben Watt, which symbolises so much to me. I bought it for the train journey my sister and I made down south to see my Grandad when he was dying, and was reading it when he shortly afterwards passed away. Reading it brings that back in a very bittersweet way. It’s also a wonderful book, which really spoke to me on a personal level. I believe it’s no longer in print and would be heart broken to lose it.
But Marla, I’m totally with you on your one too.
I guess ultimately what do we have that doesn’t first belong to God? And what will it take for me to realise that?!