Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Trash versus Treasure

I recently helped with cleaning out the condominium of a woman I know who is being moved to an assisted-living apartment.  She is presently in a convalescent home, so she wasn't there to help decide what to keep and what to box up for her new 500-square-feet living space or what to donate, save for family or throw away.  Her daughter was having to make those decisions, and I found myself often having to ask her what goes where.

Dorothy, the friend who is moving, is most likely the tidiest person I know.  There were very few items I came across that I knew were to be trashed.  However after the men disassembled her bed, I noticed several candy wrappers on the floor where the bed once was.  I didn't need to ask where to put those; they were obviously trash.

My husband and I reflectively drove home from our time helping at the 2,000-square-foot condominium, pondering what really matters in life, what we value, what role our "stuff" plays.  And for these few days as I have continued to process it all, the picture of the candy wrappers keeps coming to mind.

I have in the past cared too much about what others think of me, and I realize God has worked in me, tearing down my idols, helping lower the status of others' opinions to the under-the-bed-candy-wrapper level, when how I was seen by others used to be on my mantle, a place for things that are lovely, treasured and meaningful.  What a journey I've been on as God has dismantled more and more of what does not matter in my life and replaced it with what does.   Responding to God and His love for me.  Living my life to know and be known by Him, to love and be loved by Him.  Extending His grace and love to others.  The rest is as valuable as a candy wrapper.

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10, ESV