Getting De-Stuffed

July 18, 2010


The process of downsizing, two shrinks shrinking, is sensationally bittersweet. I sense with my eyes, ears, nose, tongue, skin both the bitter and sweet of letting go. Our house, packed to the gills for 25 years, now echoes when you drop a pin. It’s getting that empty. The moving van shows up on the 28th to take our remnant of stuff to a dear friend’s barn in the Midwest for storage. We leave at close of escrow on the 30th.

I love seeing stuff walk out the door. Mostly. My massage chair hurt to see go. But overall, there’s a visceral lightness of being that goes with being de-stuffed. The smell of obedience rises like jasmine on the breeze of a crisp new morning. “This resurrection life we have received from God is not a timid grave tending life. It’s adventurously expectant as we greet God with a child-like, “what’s next, Papa?” (Rom 8:13, Message)

We had a prayer meeting of about 40 folks here yesterday. It was good to be prayed over, supported by long time friends who know us and like us anyway. As we quest into our unknown future it’s best not to go alone. The Africans have a saying, “if you wish to go quickly, go alone; if you wish to go far, go together.” We need you to go with us as we travel. When God brings a wisp of a memory of us to your awareness, take that as a mandate to zip off a bullet prayer for the Father to assist us in that very moment wherever we are and whatever we are doing. We would be most grateful. Stay tuned to the Spirit. He’ll remind you of Jesus, always, and us from time to time.