Letting Go

Today we held a yard sale in preparing our move to the East coast.

I prayed for a good turn out and soon the people started to stream into the driveway. Then an odd thing happened. They wanted things that were not for sale. One young man went into the garage and spotted a supply of soap, mouthwash and other personal items that we buy in bulk and store when needed. I shrugged my shoulders understanding we can buy these elsewhere. Another wanted the water fountain which we couldn't sell.

Another snatched up a small bird feeder which was expensive. I walked into house to find the back room filled with people. A person in the house eyed a nice chair that can transform to a short flight of steps to place plants or books. I turned around to see it was gone. It struck me how much I attached sentimental feelings to these objects, but it was time to let it go. Even at ridiculous low prices, it was time to part from most objects that were used infrequently and took up a lot of space.

As the day wore on, I slipped away to buy some lunch for those helping us. When I'd returned, the same people who had been at the yard sale were still lingering. Why are they still here? Our former belongings were in their hands, but they are still here! The Lord spoke quietly to my heart, "It's my Presence". I cross the street and headed up the driveway.

One particular young man gathered his stuff in neat pile at my feet. He'd been here for close to an hour. When our eyes met, I found myself praying for a word from the Lord. He like the others were people in need of a Savior, not another trinket. I believe he was still here because he felt something different in the atmosphere. He was not rushed, hurried or politely asked to move on.

To the young rich ruler who diligently kept the law, Jesus said, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19:21 NIV). Having a yard sale was the last thing on this rich ruler's mind. Possessions meant status, power and privilege. It meant access to places that people could only dream of entering. To let it go, meant much more than releasing material possessions, it meant a change of lifestyle.

Love of God was more than a theological discussion, it was practical, painful and required sacrifice.

The word perfect in this verse means "complete, mature". When we can't let it go - whatever the Lord has asked us to release - we will miss an opportunity to grow in faith. In fact, when we are reluctant to yield what we believe is precious, sweet and deeply personal we will forfeit the treasure that God so desires for us to possess. But if our hands are full of material goods, then we can't grasp what is trying to place in our hands!