“Living Lightly with God”
I am not good at living lightly. No matter what the situation, my philosophy is often summed up by the following proverb: “Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.” While this proverb—like most proverbs—serves me well occasionally, it often creates more problems than it solves. I tend to pack too many things for vacations and keep too many throw-away bottles because “we might them, and I want to keep them out of landfills.” I also keep broken equipment, thinking that I will eventually get around to fixing said equipment. Of course, I rarely do. I don’t think I’m a hoarder, but I am for sure on the cusp of becoming one.
God is continually reminding me that my life needs to be simpler. The reason he needs to remind me so often is that I am continually forgetting God’s call to simplicity. But, am I forgetting or willfully ignoring? I think I know the answer, and I don’t like it.
Sometimes, it is helpful for me to think in terms of the big picture. I didn’t have anything or any freedom when I entered this life. I didn’t even come with a diaper. And when I die, I won’t have anything, including one more breath or heartbeat. Meanwhile, everything that I “have” is on loan.
“You are sojourners with me.” (Leviticus 25:23.) God is speaking to Israel just before they entered the Promised Land. Israel didn’t own the land. God did. And they were living there as resident aliens.
There’s a song by 38 Special called “Hold on loosely.” The chorus is pretty simple, but also very powerful: “Hold on loosely, but don’t let go. If you cling too tightly, you’re gonna lose control.”
May I, may we all, hold on loosely today.
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